^{Renaming South Fletcher’s Sportsplex to Susan Fennell Sportsplex}

By: Surjit Singh Flora

Brampton City Council held a special meeting last week to discuss the Court of Appeal decision on Southwest Quadrant RFP:

After the lengthy discussion, “The City is pleased with the Court of Appeal’s confirmation of the trial judge’s findings which absolve the City and its staff of the allegations of wrongdoing made by Inzola and affirm the integrity of the City’s procurement process and conduct.

The courts have awarded over $3.1M in costs against Inzola to be paid to the City of Brampton.

In the more than seven years between the action being commenced and determined at trial, the claims made against the City and associated significantly negative press coverage led to diminished public trust and reputational damage to the organization and the former Mayor Susan Fennell and senior staff.

Recognizing this, the City wishes to acknowledge its former Mayor’s excellent service and commitment and staff that may have been involved, express its thanks to them, and apologize for the negative consequences this matter may have had on their lives.

The Court’s findings support the fact that the City’s established procurement processes are rigorous, and the integrity of these processes is adhered to by staff and elected officials alike.

The City looks forward to moving ahead in supporting Brampton’s healthy and sustainable growth and recovery from COVID-19.

Brampton mayor Patrick Brown said, “Our Council is pleased with the Court’s findings that the City acted fairly and appropriately in this matter. It is unfortunate that the public, especially Brampton’s people, were misled about the procurement process for the Southwest Quadrant based on this legal action. We thank former Mayor Fennell and the senior staff for their dedication to Brampton and their valuable work in advancing this City project.

While Martin Medeiros, Brampton Regional Councillor, Wards 3 and 4; Chair, Planning & Development said, “As Regional Councillor for Wards 3 & 4, the area for which Mayor Fennell was also the former councillor, I was pleased to move the motion to rename South Fletcher’s Sportsplex to Susan Fennell Sportsplex. I am satisfied with the Court rulings that allow the municipality to move forward and recognize the good work of previous staff and the leadership of Council, especially Mayor Fennell, who endured years of attacks and innuendo that were ultimately unfounded.”

“I encourage this Council to embrace Brampton’s opportunities, Fennell said earlier today.

“I was proud and honored to serve as Brampton Mayor and this lawsuit chapter is now closed. The city won the court case. The city won the appeal. I wish to express my gratitude for this Council’s apology to present and former staff involved.  I was privileged to work alongside some of the finest Municipal staff in Canada!

It is Brampton’s time to embrace the future.

My message to Mayor Brown and Councillor Madeiros and all Council, thank you.

Shout from the rooftops, Brampton is a well-run City with excellent processes and competent smart staff!”

Surjit Singh Flora is a veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Brampton.