Black River - Matheson CAO calling for a provincial review of town finances

Following mounting criticism from several town residents, Black River-Matheson’s CAO Chris Wray is calling for a provincial review of the township’s finances.

Black River-Matheson chief administrative officer Chris Wray speaks with CTV News via Zoom in December 2023. (File photo/Sergio Arangio/CTV News Northern Ontario)

Wray has requested the the town council write to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to request a review of the town’s financial and administrative procedures, practices and policies.

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His report on the matter was deferred at the town’s Sept. 10 council meeting without discussion.

The request stems from ongoing criticism directed at the town by residents via the community’s Facebook pages, according to the report. Wray said these criticisms have included accusations of favouritism, fraud and general mismanagement or incompetence.

The criticism intensified when a controversial property tax increase was approved in 2023.

Wray said that in response to the tax hike, a group of residents turned to social media to express their dissatisfaction.

The situation escalated with a petition, signed by about 1,200 residents and presented at the Ontario Legislature on Oct. 24, and subsequently forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

In March, residents held a town hall system meeting to talk about the ongoing issues within the town and its staff and political representatives.

Approximately 150 people attended the town hall, including Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP John Vanthof.

An undated photo Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP John Vanthof. (John Vanthof, Timiskaming-Cochrane/Facebook)

Wray highlighted that many criticisms are unfounded and defamatory, in his report he described it as ‘gaslighting.’

Wray said the township has adhered to its polices, procedures and bylaws, and has conducted annual audits and implemented various improvements based on previous reviews by its auditors.

A welcome sign for the Township of Black River-Matheson. (Facebook/Township of Black River-Matheson)

The township has also welcomed a new mayor and council since the 2023 budget after the province booted the previous council in April 2024 for failing to successfully hold a meeting in more than 60 days. A by-election was held last month and the new council sworn in on Aug. 27.

Dave Dyment is sworn in as the mayor of Black River-Matheson on August 27, 2024 after a town byelection on August 12. (Paul Calandra/LinkedIn)

• Read more: Province boots municipal council out of office in small northern Ont. town

The CAO compared the situation to a similar one that occurred in another northern Ont. community, Fauquier-Strickland, where a petition led to a provincial review of financial and administrative practices.

Wray suggested in the report that a similar review for Matheson could provide valuable insights or improvements.

The request will automatically be added to the agenda for the town’s council meeting on Sept. 24.

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The full report can be found here.