Gananoque mayor suspended without pay

Reason: multiple code of conduct breaches

Gananoque council has voted to suspend Mayor John Beddows’s pay following a report from the town’s integrity commissioner. The report found multiple breaches of the municipal code of conduct.

The investigation, led by Tony Fleming’s office, was launched after 18 complaints were filed against the mayor. Of these, eight were substantiated. Key findings showed Mayor Beddows repeatedly made remarks suggesting the town’s chief administrative officer (CAO) should be fired. The integrity commissioner said this behaviour created a pattern of harassment and intimidation.

Other findings included discriminatory remarks related to women and affirmative action. The mayor also admitted to telling an offensive sexual joke. Additionally, aggressive behaviour towards another councillor during a meeting was noted.

The commissioner recommended several penalties. These included a 30-day pay suspension for harassment of the CAO, another 30 days for discriminatory comments, five days for the sexual joke, and 15 days for aggressive behaviour. In total, the mayor’s pay will be suspended for 80 days.

Gananoque council approved the suspension and required Mayor Beddows to issue a formal apology to town staff. Deputy Mayor Vicki Leakey stressed the importance of moving forward respectfully.

Some complaints were dismissed, including allegations about misuse of town letterhead and improper direction of a Hydro/Fortis vehicle. 

Mayor Beddows has accepted the report’s findings and committed to improving communication and collaboration.