Ratepayers association continues to circulate inaccurate information

In a recent e-mail, on social media, and on their website, the Wasaga Beach Ratepayers Association continues to spread inaccurate information to the community.

This is now the fourth time the town has needed to address the association’s inaccuracies.

The organization states in its recent communication that the town is using Truth Corner to discredit the association and discourage participation in a survey the association is conducting. That is false.

The town has used Truth Corner to ensure the public knows the association is circulating misleading information regarding the town.  Through Truth Corner, the town also cautioned the public on sharing personal e-mail addresses, which is good practice.

The town launched Truth Corner as a platform to address misinformation and disinformation circulating in the community. It is imperative the public have access to accurate information. If the association published facts, there would be no need for the town to respond through Truth Corner.  

The association also states the town should not use Truth Corner because this is an election year.

“Truth Corner should not be used by them to comment publicly on matters that are most likely to become political issues during the coming election campaign. Once candidates are able to register on May 2, 2022, public servants must not do anything to support or oppose a candidate according to the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario,” the association states.

Part of the association’s statement is correct: public servants must not do anything to support or oppose a candidate.

But the town does have a responsibility to ensure its residents are armed with accurate information when it comes to town business.

As a result, the town will continue to utilize Truth Corner and other communication tools when individuals and organizations choose to share misinformation and disinformation that involves the town.

In its recent communication, the association also shares inaccurate information regarding the make-up of the town’s beachfront redevelopment negotiating team.

“…the only elected officials in the negotiations are the mayor and the CAO who was elected to council in Penetanguishene.”

That statement is false and misleading.

There are no Wasaga Beach council members on the negotiating team.

The members of the team were outlined in a report to Committee of the Whole on June 17, 2021 and are as follows:

• George Vadeboncoeur, chief administrative officer
• Kevin Lalonde, director of public works
• Doug Herron, director of planning and economic initiatives
• Gianni Giufo, Partner | Financial Advisory Civil Government Sector Leader, Deloitte
• Bill Mocsan, Procurement Specialist and Fairness Advisor, Bill Mocsan and Associates
• Mary Ellen Bench et al, Solicitors, Dentons

Mr. Vadeboncoeur serves as a part-time councillor on Penetanguishene Town Council, an elected position that is separate from his full-time employee role as CAO with the Town of Wasaga Beach.

The town addressed Mr. Vadeboncoeur’s role with the town in a January 2021 edition of Truth Corner after a member of the public circulated false information on social media.

For accurate information about the town, please visit our website at www.wasagabeach.com.

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