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CBC
23-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Gananoque mayor's pay docked over code of conduct breaches
Councillors in Gananoque, Ont., have voted to suspend the mayor's pay for 80 days and requested he write a letter of apology to town staff, following an integrity commissioner's report that found he'd breached council's code of conduct eight times. Among the issues identified in the 17-page report are instances where Mayor John Beddows made "discriminatory" comments about women and affirmative action, as well as an "offensive sexual joke." Integrity commissioner Tony Fleming also concluded the mayor repeatedly spoke about how the town's chief administrative officer (CAO) could be fired, which amounted to a pattern of "harassment." In another instance, Beddows stood over a fellow council member and yelled at her about a request to place shoes on the town hall steps as a residential school memorial and demonstration of truth and reconciliation. "It was aggressive, abusive and contrary to [the code of conduct]," Fleming said during the May 20 council meeting where the report was discussed. Beddows did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent Friday. Asked for his perspective during Tuesday's council meeting, the mayor said the complaints had been collected and curated over the course of several months, rather than being dealt with as each came up. Asked by Beddows how many complaints had been filed initially, Fleming responded the total was around 43, which had been whittled down to the 18 weighed in the report. In the end, council voted to dock his pay for more than two and a half months, to ask Beddows for a letter of apology and to publish Fleming's report on the town's website. Comments about women breached code The document was based on a complaint received on Sept. 24, 2024, alleging the mayor had engaged in a "series of behaviours" throughout that year that breached the code of conduct. One of the complaints was based on what's described as a recurring statement the mayor made that women are often promoted above their abilities because of affirmative action. Fleming said the mayor admitted to saying it, but argued the allegation had been "stripped of context and [was] merely an attempt to malign his character," according to the report. Instead, Beddows said he made the comment based on his experience in the military where the "politically driven 'pink ticket quota'" sometimes resulted in women receiving opportunities due to their gender, rather than purely on merit. The mayor was also alleged to have repeatedly said women are often not the best job candidates because they might not return to work after having children. Fleming wrote that Beddows agreed he'd made that statement, but denied anything he said was derogatory, arguing his comment was in the context of physician recruitment and the need to offer better incentives to attract and retain female doctors. In both cases the integrity commissioner found the mayor had breached the code of conduct, and his comments — especially coming from the head of council — were "likely to create a workplace atmosphere where the contributions of female staff are devalued." Finding the 'G spot' As for the sexual joke, it was allegedly made to the town's former CAO, and was about "how to find a 'G spot.'" In the report, Fleming notes Beddows agreed he'd made the statement, but explained it was a play on words based on the name of Gananoque's security contractor G-Force and its parking spot, by referring to it as "finding the G-[parking] spot." The commissioner wrote the joke was "offensive and should not be tolerated," adding the mayor acknowledged it was in "poor taste." Four separate complaints about comments made to the town's current CAO, including that she could be fired without cause or severance if a case of sexual harassment could be proven against her, were also identified by the commissioner as breaching the code of conduct. Fleming concluded that although the mayor argued his statements were factual, they demonstrated a lack of awareness about their seriousness and left the CAO concerned about her job security. The final complaint that resulted in sanctions happened during a July 11 agenda-setting meeting, where witnesses said the mayor became angry over a request to place shoes on the steps of city hall and stood over a council member, yelling at her. Fleming wrote that Beddows confirmed the discussion became "heated" after his colleague made an analogy between the shoe memorial and Remembrance Day, which the mayor found "disparaging of veterans." The integrity commissioner found that regardless of what the other council member said, Beddows was responsible for controlling his "temper and leading by example." A 'strained relationship' with staff Ten other complaints were considered as part of the report, including alleged comments made by the mayor that he was the "smartest person" at city hall and telling staff "the only thing I can't do is breastfeed." In both cases, Fleming found evidence the statements had been made, but determined they didn't breach council's code of conduct. The integrity commissioner noted a "strained relationship" between the mayor and staff who are "clearly struggling" with his behaviour. "Our overall finding is that the [mayor] has a genuine desire to create a positive working environment, but he struggles with interpersonal relationships," Fleming's report reads. The commissioner added Beddows recognizes he has trouble reading people, describing that shortcoming as being "at the core" of many of the complaints.
Hamilton Spectator
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Gananoque lends its ears
GANANOQUE — There was no shortage of shouting in Gananoque over the weekend, but not a single tear in sight. The Ontario Guild of Town Criers descended on Gananoque for its Provincial Town Crier Championships, a lively competition celebrating a centuries-old tradition of voice-powered storytelling. Originally scheduled to take place outdoors, the competition was moved to The Royal Theatre due to rain and poor weather, but that didn't dampen the spirits, or the decibel levels, of participants. The weekend featured three competitive 'cries,' judged by rotating panels of five to six adjudicators per round. Some of the judges throughout the weekend included Gananoque Mayor John Beddows and Deputy Mayor Vicki Leakey, who helped evaluate the criers on everything from content and clarity to presentation and style. The championship kicked off Saturday with a 'Hometown Cry,' followed by a researched cry on Gananoque and the Thousand Islands. On Sunday, competitors delivered a humorous cry on what it means to be a Town Crier, before wrapping up with an awards ceremony. The event's top honours went to Chris Whyman, Kingston's Town Crier, who earned a first-place finish, while Liam Cragg, of Alnwick/Haldimand in Northumberland County, and Bill McKee, of Uxbridge, Scugog and the City of Oshawa, tied for second place. [caption id="attachment_3044231" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Chris Whyman, official Town Crier for the City of Kingston, takes top honours at the Ontario Provincial Town Crier Championships in Gananoque, earning first place with his commanding voice, presence, and historic flare. KEITH DEMPSEY/Local Journalism Initiative[/caption] As part of the two-day event, a special dinner was held Saturday evening. Criers Bill McKee, Andrew Welch (Orangeville, Caledon,Erin), Les Whiting (Petrolia), Mark Molnar (St. Catharines, Lincoln) and Bruce Kruger (Bracebridge, Wiarton, Owen Sound) all received their long service bars for many years in the guild. Steve Clark, the MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, attended the event's opening ceremonies alongside local MP Michael Barrett, Beddows, Leeds and the Thousand Islands Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatcke, and Gananoque Poet Laureate Gretchen Huntley. 'Kudos to host Town Crier Brian Mabee and everyone involved in bringing this wonderful event and showcase for this proud tradition to the community,' said Clark. And during a ceremonial moment, Beddows received warm greetings from Jennifer Templeman Olivero, official Town Crier for the Town of Hanover, who brought well wishes from Hanover Mayor Sue Paterson and Council. In return, Beddows extended greetings on behalf of the Town of Gananoque to the residents of Hanover, marking a moment of camaraderie and connection between communities. [caption id="attachment_3044214" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Gananoque Mayor John Beddows receives warm greetings from Jennifer Templeman Olivero, official Town Crier for the Town of Hanover, on behalf of Hanover Mayor Sue Paterson and Council. In return, Beddows shared well wishes from the Town of Gananoque to the residents of Hanover during a special ceremony held as part of the Ontario Provincial Town Crier Championships. SUBMITTED PHOTO[/caption] The competition was hosted by Mabee, Gananoque's own Town Crier and a Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands councillor, who led the organizing efforts. Town Criers were once known as the 'newspapers of the day,' dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Long before social media or print, these boisterous figures delivered royal decrees, public announcements, and news to the gathered masses, often starting with the trademark attention-grabber: 'Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!' The weekend's event attracted not only criers and officials but plenty of enthusiastic locals who embraced the tradition with open arms and ears. 'Congratulations Chris, Liam Cragg and Bill, and to Brian Mabee and Town of Gananoque for a fabulous competition!' said Olivero. 'We greatly enjoyed your wonderful hospitality and friendly community.' Deputy Mayor Vicki Leakey also praised the efforts behind the scenes. 'Congratulations Brian Mabee, this weekend event was enjoyed by all,' said Leakey. 'Thanks to you, Tina and all the other helpers that contributed to the success. Also a big shout out to the Royal Theatre for saving the day and providing a wonderful dry venue on a rainy weekend.' Keith Dempsey is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Brockville Recorder and Times. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
Hamilton Spectator
12-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Gananoque greenlights Kinsmen Community Hall renovations
A long-awaited expansion of local day-care services is officially underway in Gananoque, as the town moves forward with transforming the Kinsmen Community Hall into a new child-care facility. At a special council meeting held April 29, Gananoque council approved the tender award for the renovation of the interior of the Kinsmen Hall, located at 400 Stone Street North. 'This facility will provide a much-needed increase in day-care capacity in Gananoque,' said Mayor John Beddows. Exterior upgrades at the town-owned building – including paving, concrete walkways, and new eavestroughs – are already underway. The interior work is slated for completion by Aug. 8. Operated by the YMCA and supported by the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care program, the facility will add 39 day-care spots to Gananoque's inventory. 'This is a very exciting development that supports families, quality of life and affordability in our area and speaks to the commitment of both the federal and provincial levels of government to affordable day care,' said Beddows. He added that he looks forward to a 'long-term partnership with the YMCA and UCLG as we work together to support local families and the children who are the future of our community.' Keith Dempsey is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Brockville Recorder and Times. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
Hamilton Spectator
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Gananoque pushes back on strong mayor powers
In a town where each council voice still matters, Gananoque has sent a clear message to Queen's Park: keep your Strong Mayor Powers. At its April 15 meeting, Gananoque council passed a motion asking the provincial government to exempt the town from the expansion of legislation that grants additional authority to mayors – powers that could allow them to veto council decisions, craft budgets independently, and fast-track provincial priorities. The motion passed 5-1, with one councillor, Patrick Kirkby, abstaining. Only Mayor John Beddows stood in opposition. These strong mayor powers, introduced under the Ontario Municipal Act and expanded by Premier Doug Ford's government, are part of a broader effort to streamline decision-making and accelerate housing development in Ontario's growing communities. But in Gananoque – a town of just over 5,000 – councillors say the move chips away at the essence of small-town governance: collaboration, conversation, and consensus. 'Knowing you run, you represent the public, we have conversations, make points, then the mayor turns around and vetoes it,' said Coun. Anne-Marie Koiner. 'I fear for the staff, with the anxiety that will be brought on by this.' Deputy Mayor Vicki Leakey, who seconded the motion, was blunt: 'It's a mark against democracy when the province starts messing with the power of elected councils. I don't understand how this is going to help us.' The motion, introduced by Coun. David Osmond, reflects a rising discomfort among smaller municipalities that fear being swept up in one-size-fits-all provincial policy. In Gananoque, where community decisions are made around a modest table in Town Hall, councillors are wary of a future where a single elected official could wield outsized authority. But not everyone on council sees it that way. 'We all knew this was coming,' said Mayor John Beddows, the lone dissenting vote. 'The intent of the Conservative Party to extend strong mayor powers was clear and available to anyone.' Beddows supports the powers, noting they reinforce the mayor's role under the Act as the CEO of the municipality and head of council. 'This is not something I oppose,' he said. 'But it's not something that should be taken lightly.' Keith Dempsey is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Brockville Recorder and Times. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.(Catch up on what is happening throughout Eastern Ontario with our Midday Roundup. Click here to sign up for the free newsletter , which will be delivered to your inbox every weekday.)
