Councillor in conflict?

By Wayne Moore - CASTANET Nov 23, 2015 / 5:00 am
A West Kelowna councillor has found himself in a possible conflict of interest. First-term councillor Rusty Ensign allegedly voted on a development project while having a contractual relationship, said Mayor Doug Findlater. Because of that relationship with developers, council is being asked to rescind second and third readings of OCP and zoning amendments for a low-density, multiple-residential development and tourist accommodation on West Bay Road. Council gave second reading to the amendments in early September and, following a public hearing Sept. 29, gave it third reading. "This recommendation (to rescind) is made to ensure the process for adoption of the bylaws, if council proceeds to do so, is transparent and fair, and ultimately to protect the integrity of the process," stated a report council will review Tuesday. "We are correcting the process," said Findlater. The mayor said people sitting through a public hearing must know those hearing the information do not have a conflict. The report before council further stated, "On Oct. 27, 2015 the city received an action plan from West Bay Beach Resort which states Ensign has a demolition contract with West Bay Beach Resort. "The city sought legal advice regarding a potential conflict of interest for Coun. Ensign, in regards to bylaw No. 0100.04 and bylaw No. 154.26, and council directed that, to ensure their validity, the bylaws be brought back to first reading and for.consideration of.second reading." Ensign owns a company which, among other services, provides demolition work. This means a public hearing will also have to be scheduled again. Findlater said council would decide at a later date whether it would entertain discussion of possible sanctions against Ensign. This is the second time in recent weeks a Central Okanagan elected official has found themselves at odds with those around the table. Central Okanagan East Director Patty Hanson has been accused of relaying information from a confidential meeting of the regional board.A hearing on possible censure or sanctions was postponed indefinitely last week to allow Hanson to have her attorney present at the proceedings.