Former Calgary councillor rewarded costs in court battle with development family
Council amended its indemnification policy at its Feb. 8, 2021 meeting. Terrigno, in his lawsuit, argued that Farrell violated Section 172(1) of the MGA by voting for the amendment to be discussed in closed session at that meeting, claiming she had a pecuniary interest in the matter due to her use of the indemnity fund.
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Angotti did concede in her memorandum of decision that 'it is undisputed' that Farrell had a pecuniary interest, but noted she had declared the conflict properly and abstained from voting on the amendment itself.
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'Ms. Farrell denies that she did or failed to do anything that violated the MGA, as she properly declared her pecuniary interest,' Angotti wrote. 'She believes that Mr. Terrigno is bringing this application for vindictive reasons or simply to obtain costs.'
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After Farrell resigned from her council seat ahead of the 2021 election, the Terrignos sought a declaration that their application be deemed moot, because it would entitle them to apply to recover costs against Farrell.
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In 2023, Justice Michel Bourque ruled the fact Farrell was no longer on council did not make the Terrignos' application to force her resignation moot.
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But while Farrell will be awarded costs for the indemnification suit, the defamation action from the Terrignos against her remains active.
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Mike Terrigno, in a statement Friday, said the family is pleased the judge's decision confirmed that Farrell 'breached her duties as a councillor in preferring her own financial interest over her duties to the public.'
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He added he expects the defamation action against her to go to trial in 2026.
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'Our family is looking forward to having this matter behind us as it has caused serious harm to our family which is the basis of the lawsuit,' he wrote.
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'We are particularly concerned that taxpayer funds are being used to defend Ms. Farrell for her malicious and defamatory statements about our family although the whistle-blowers who have come forward to give evidence against her clearly remember the defamatory statements she made to them.'
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Striking the opposite tone, a statement from Farrell's legal counsel said Angotti's decision reflects that the former councillor's violation of the MGA was merely technical and committed in good faith.
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'The court dismissed all of Mr. Terrigno's many other allegations against her,' the statement read, noting that because Farrell was found to be the winning party, the court awarded costs against Terrigno for bringing this action in the first place.
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'Ms. Farrell will continue to defend herself against any and all claims that she acted inappropriately or allegations that she caused anyone damages.'
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In early 2024, the Terrigno family resurrected their plans to develop on the site of their former restaurant in Kensington.
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Calgary Herald
2 days ago
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Former Calgary councillor rewarded costs in court battle with development family
Article content Council amended its indemnification policy at its Feb. 8, 2021 meeting. Terrigno, in his lawsuit, argued that Farrell violated Section 172(1) of the MGA by voting for the amendment to be discussed in closed session at that meeting, claiming she had a pecuniary interest in the matter due to her use of the indemnity fund. Article content Angotti did concede in her memorandum of decision that 'it is undisputed' that Farrell had a pecuniary interest, but noted she had declared the conflict properly and abstained from voting on the amendment itself. Article content 'Ms. Farrell denies that she did or failed to do anything that violated the MGA, as she properly declared her pecuniary interest,' Angotti wrote. 'She believes that Mr. Terrigno is bringing this application for vindictive reasons or simply to obtain costs.' Article content After Farrell resigned from her council seat ahead of the 2021 election, the Terrignos sought a declaration that their application be deemed moot, because it would entitle them to apply to recover costs against Farrell. Article content In 2023, Justice Michel Bourque ruled the fact Farrell was no longer on council did not make the Terrignos' application to force her resignation moot. Article content But while Farrell will be awarded costs for the indemnification suit, the defamation action from the Terrignos against her remains active. Article content Mike Terrigno, in a statement Friday, said the family is pleased the judge's decision confirmed that Farrell 'breached her duties as a councillor in preferring her own financial interest over her duties to the public.' Article content He added he expects the defamation action against her to go to trial in 2026. Article content 'Our family is looking forward to having this matter behind us as it has caused serious harm to our family which is the basis of the lawsuit,' he wrote. Article content 'We are particularly concerned that taxpayer funds are being used to defend Ms. Farrell for her malicious and defamatory statements about our family although the whistle-blowers who have come forward to give evidence against her clearly remember the defamatory statements she made to them.' Article content Article content Striking the opposite tone, a statement from Farrell's legal counsel said Angotti's decision reflects that the former councillor's violation of the MGA was merely technical and committed in good faith. Article content 'The court dismissed all of Mr. Terrigno's many other allegations against her,' the statement read, noting that because Farrell was found to be the winning party, the court awarded costs against Terrigno for bringing this action in the first place. Article content 'Ms. Farrell will continue to defend herself against any and all claims that she acted inappropriately or allegations that she caused anyone damages.' Article content In early 2024, the Terrigno family resurrected their plans to develop on the site of their former restaurant in Kensington.
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Investing in water infrastructure improvements on Vancouver Island Français
SAYWARD, BC, /CNW/ - Two communities on Vancouver Island are receiving upgrades to their water infrastructure after a combined investment of more than $5.25 million from the federal and provincial governments and municipal partners. In the Municipality of North Cowichan, the Crofton Sewage Treatment Plant will be upgraded with two new clarifiers and a sludge thickening system to improve wastewater treatment and ensure the treated water remains clean and compliant with environmental standards. These upgrades will expand the plant's capacity to treat more wastewater, maintain the treatment plant's high level of compliance, and protect the health and safety of the community. The Village of Sayward will benefit from drainage and stormwater upgrades aimed at reducing flooding and minimizing flood risks for homes. The project involves upgrading stormwater pipes, adding biofilters to reduce pollution runoff, and other related improvements to support sustainable stormwater management. Together, these efforts will strengthen the community's resilience to extreme weather events, enhance water quality, and help create a safer and healthier environment for residents and local wildlife. Quotes "Our government is proud to support these important wastewater and stormwater management upgrades on Vancouver Island. This work will enhance climate resilience, support healthy communities and protect ecosystems for generations to come." The Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors) "Cleaner water in local streams and waterways, reduced flooding and increased resilience to extreme weather events will make these Vancouver Island communities safer and stronger. Upgrades like these are helping protect the environment people live in and rely on and supporting a more secure future for British Columbians." Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs "Our Council has made upgrading our infrastructure a top priority, and this investment in the Crofton sewage treatment plant reflects that commitment. This project will ensure the plant continues to produce clean effluent that meets stringent regulations and expand capacity to serve our growing community. By working together with our federal and provincial partners, we are safeguarding both public health and our local environment for generations to come." Rob Douglas, Mayor, Municipality of North Cowichan "This investment is a game-changer for the Village of Sayward. At nearly two and a half times our total annual tax revenue, this funding will allow us to move forward with essential drainage and stormwater upgrades that will protect homes, improve water quality, and strengthen our community's resilience to flooding and extreme weather. These improvements will not only benefit residents today but will also support the long-term environmental health and sustainability of our Village for generations to come." , Mayor, Village of Sayward Quick Facts The federal government is investing $1,402,864 in the Municipality of North Cowichan project and $697,230.40 in the Village of Sayward project through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is investing $1,168,936 in the Municipality of North Cowichan's project and $580,967 in the Village of Sayward project. The Municipality of North Cowichan is contributing $935,359 and the Village of Sayward is contributing $464,879. The Green Infrastructure Stream helps build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting renewable technologies. Including today's announcement, over 160 infrastructure projects under the Green Infrastructure Stream have been announced in British Columbia, with a total federal contribution of more than $765 million and a total provincial contribution of more than $429 million. Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment obligations. Green Infrastructure Stream Housing and Infrastructure Project Map Strengthened Climate Plan SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Renée LeBlanc Proctor, Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, [email protected]; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; British Columbia, Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, 236-475-4435, [email protected]; Barb Floden, Manager, Communications and Public Engagement, Municipality of North Cowichan , 250-746-3100, [email protected]; Mark Baker, Mayor, Village of Sayward, [email protected]
