Mayor’s Statement Regarding Integrity Commissioner Findings and Council Decision Regarding Councillor Sherri Bell

June 2, 2025

The Township of Ramara Council is committed to upholding the values of respectful dialogue, workplace health and safety, and effective governance. These principles are foundational to how we serve the residents of Ramara, and they apply to all who participate in the business of local government — including elected officials, staff, committee members, and members of the public.

On June 2, 2025, Council received a public report from the Township’s Integrity Commissioner regarding a Code of Conduct complaint involving Councillor Sherri Bell. The investigation, conducted independently under the Municipal Act, concluded that Councillor Bell breached multiple sections of the Township’s Code of Conduct, including those related to decorum, intimidation, and compliance with Council resolutions. These actions — including aggressive behaviour toward fellow members of Council and refusal to comply with a Council-issued restriction — created an unacceptable environment for elected officials and staff.

As a result of these findings, Council has voted to implement the recommended sanction of the Integrity Commissioner following his findings, which was to suspend Councillor Bell’s remuneration for a total of 90 days.

This follows earlier decisions of Council to restrict Councillor Bell’s access to non-public areas of municipal buildings and to limit representation at Board and Committee meetings. These actions were taken in response to ongoing workplace and governance concerns and to help support continued focus on collaboration, respect, and effective operations.

The decision of Council on May 16, 2024, to restrict access of Councillor Bell to any municipal space within the Township not open to the public, including the Richard Bates Meeting Room and staff area of the Township Administration Building, was a closed session matter. However, at the June 2, 2025, meeting Council approved making the full resolution public to ensure transparency and to provide context for members of the public surrounding Council’s decisions and the Integrity Commissioner’s findings. The full resolution from May 16, 2024, is as follows:

Resolution Number CR.58.23

Moved by Dana Tuju

Seconded by David Snutch

THAT the Township recognizes that it has a duty to protect the safety and security of our staff and members of Council therefore effective May 16, 2024 the following directives are to be adhered to by Councillor Sherri Bell:

• Councillor Bell will no longer be permitted to enter any space within Township that is not open to the public. Including, but not limited to the Richard Bates Meeting Room and the Staff area of the Municipal Administration Building;
• Councillor Bell will no longer be able to attend Board and Committee Meetings, with the exception of Virtual Library Board Meetings and Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission meetings;
• Councillor Bell will no longer have the ability to contact staff directly or indirectly, all correspondence shall be conducted with the Chief Administrative Officer.

CARRIED

A separate motion was passed in open session on April 28, 2025, to remove Councillor Bell as the Council-appointed representative to the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission and as the liaison for Protective Services.

Council recognizes that passionate advocacy is a core part of public service. However, when interactions within municipal settings result in repeated concerns being raised about staff and other participants feeling uncomfortable or unable to safely perform their duties, Council has a duty to act. Our decisions in this instance reflect the need to support a respectful workplace for all participants — staff, Council members, and volunteers alike — and to ensure that our meetings remain productive and collaborative spaces. Let me be clear: This is not about silencing advocacy or passion; it is about ensuring that all public business is conducted in an environment that is respectful, safe, and consistent with the Township’s standards.

The decisions taken by Council are not made lightly. They reflect our responsibility to protect the function, integrity, and well-being of the Township of Ramara. Our obligation is not only to those in elected office, but also to the staff and community members who support our work every day.

We appreciate the community’s continued understanding as we work to maintain an environment where all voices can be heard — and where everyone can contribute to the business of the Township safely, respectfully, and constructively.