Durham Regional Council has appointed a new Integrity Commissioner, Boghosian + Allen LLP, which is expected to cost the region up to $100,000.
The role of integrity commissioners came into question after Councillor Leahy charged (see below) in a dispute with council that the Town of Whitby paid up to $875 an hour to its integrity commissioner.
The contract of the current Region of Durham Integrity Commissioner, Principles Integrity, expires at the end of the term of the council on November 14.
Selection Process
Based on the previous level of complaints and inquiries, the annual value for Integrity Commissioner services is expected to be less than $100,000, said a report by the region’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
It said invitations to enter into a consulting and professional services contract with the region were sent to nine individuals/firms. Three proposals were received and evaluated by a team from the Legal Services Department and Corporate Services – Legislative Services. Respondents also participated in presentation and interview sessions which were evaluated by the same team, with the addition of the clerks and/or deputy clerks from Oshawa, Pickering, Uxbridge and Whitby.
“Based on the results of the selection process, it is recommended that Boghosian + Allen LLP be appointed as Regional Council’s Integrity Commissioner for the 2026-2030 term of office,” said the report.
It said Boghosian + Allen is a well-known and respected firm operating in the field of municipal law for over 20 years. They currently serve as integrity commissioner for 13 municipalities in Ontario, including comparable large municipalities such as the City of Hamilton. The firm is well-resourced and will be able to provide timely response to code of conduct complaints and requests for advice from members of council.
The recommendation was approved by the regional council on April 29.
Scugog Notice
In a presentation from Principles Integrity, regarding 2026 Integrity Commissioner’s Periodic Report to the Township of Scugog, Jeffery Abrams, Integrity Commissioner for the township, advised that his firm, Principles Integrity, will no longer be offering integrity commissioner services and that his current term with the township will conclude in January 2027.
Also See
Leahy claims Whitby investigator charges up to $875 per hour
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