Statement from Mayor Clarke Regarding Councillor Communication Protocols

The Township of Ramara Council is committed to fostering a respectful, professional and safe environment for staff, members of Council, volunteers and members of the public. These principles are fundamental to effective local government and support our ability to serve residents in a productive and accountable manner.

At its meeting on June 22, 2026, Council considered a report from Mayor Clarke dated June 17, 2026, and approved the release of a previously confidential Council resolution from July 21, 2025, relating to communication protocols involving Councillor Sherri Bell, and the associated report. This has been posted publicly on the Township’s CivicWeb Portal.

Since May 2024, Council explicitly directed that Councillor Bell communicate with Township staff through the Chief Administrative Officer as per the Township’s Code of Conduct following concerns related to workplace interactions, staff wellbeing, and workplace health and safety.

In July 2025, following continued non-compliance with the Code of Conduct and previous direction, along with concerns related to staff wellbeing and workplace health and safety, Council implemented additional procedures. These reinforced the established communication process, blocked emails to staff from Councillor Bell, with the exception of the CAO, and directed that communications occurring outside the protocol were not to receive a response. This protocol was intended to ensure Councillor Bell could continue fulfilling her responsibilities as a member of Council through a consistent process that supports effective dialogue, staff wellbeing, and the efficient administration of municipal business.

Additionally, the July 2025 resolution offered Councillor Bell the opportunity to meet after each Council meeting with the Mayor and CAO to discuss any agenda items she submitted in advance. To date, Councillor Bell has not requested to meet with the Mayor and CAO.

 A September 2025 report from the Township's Integrity Commissioner, a third-party officer governed by the Municipal Act who provides an independent and impartial review of Code of Conduct complaints, further found that Councillor Bell disregarded Council's direction regarding communications with staff and concluded that this conduct breached the Township's Code of Conduct.

Council's decision to make the July 2025 direction public was necessary to ensure residents have accurate information regarding the circumstances surrounding Council's decisions, the findings of the Integrity Commissioner, and the rationale for the communication process that was established.

Council is aware of public statements suggesting Township staff have ignored or failed to respond to correspondence from Councillor Bell. The Township would like to provide clarification that this is not the case. Staff have continued to follow Council’s direction and established communication protocols, which Councillor Bell is aware of. Where communications from Councillor Bell are submitted through the approved process, they are received and addressed. Correspondence outside of these established protocols are managed in accordance with Council’s direction.  

The Township is also aware of public statements indicating that Councillor Bell has filed an application with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. At this time, the Township has not been served with notice, nor received any application materials from the Tribunal. As such, the Township cannot comment further on this matter.

The Township acknowledges that Councillor Bell has expressed concerns regarding her experiences. Council takes such matters seriously. While Council’s understanding of these matters differs from the public characterizations that have been made, it recognizes the importance of ensuring that concerns are addressed through appropriate and established processes.

Differing viewpoints, healthy debate, and passionate advocacy are a normal and important part of local government. Members of Council are elected to represent their communities and share their perspectives on matters affecting residents. At the same time, Council members are expected to demonstrate leadership and conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner within the framework of the Municipal Act, Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, and according to the Township's policies, procedures, and Code of Conduct. Council remains committed to ensuring Township business is conducted in a manner that is respectful, constructive, and focused on serving the residents of Ramara.