Lyonel Doherty
The mayor of Canal Flats has responded to social media criticism from a group of citizens questioning council’s transparency and the village’s chief administrative officer (CAO).
In a message on the village’s website, Mayor Mark Doherty acknowledges a number of recent posts on Facebook from a coalition of Canal Flats citizens calling for “transparency.”
Resident Andrew Weitzel, a candidate in the upcoming by-election in Canal Flats, says action is necessary to deal with concerns outlined in a letter to council reportedly signed by more than 125 citizens.
The letter, with accompanying documentation, highlights concerns about the role of CAO Richard Wayken relating to dealings between the village and companies owned or managed by Wayken’s son.
“We believe that there are reasonable bases for concern regarding conflict of interest and ensuring that contracts and relations are negotiated and conducted in the best interests of the VCF (Village of Canal Flats),” the letter states.
The accompanying document outlines various holdings of the CAO and “parties closely related to him.” It includes $129,510 paid by the village in 2023 to a company the coalition says is owned and directed by the CAO’s son.
In addition, the letter questions the CAO’s involvement in the Village of Canal Flats Attainable Housing Society and how it relates to the transfer of land and the hiring of another company reportedly owned by his son.
In conclusion, the letter states a concern about these companies receiving financial benefits from decisions made by the CAO, which the coalition argues falls under personal interests.
The citizens group has given council until the end of the month to respond to these issues.
The Pioneer reached out to Wayken last week but did not receive a response by press time Tuesday.
In the mayor’s message, Doherty says he feels that council has been as transparent as possible about the decisions made, “but as always there is room for improvement.”
Doherty says family and friends is “where we turn to when in trouble.”
“In the first few months of being our CAO, Richard realized the village was in trouble. With much ahead of Canal Flats our CAO tapped his son on the shoulder to not only commit to coming to Canal Flats but investing in its future.”
The mayor emphasizes the value of embracing and supporting young entrepreneurs. “These individuals are the future of Canal Flats, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and a commitment to community growth.”
Doherty notes that one such entrepreneur, (who the coalition identifies as the CAO’s son), has shown nothing but integrity and perseverance in his efforts to enhance the well-being of the village.
“His dedication to attracting a medical doctor, medical technology companies and a pharmacy to our community is a testament to his commitment to improving the quality of life for all our residents,” Doherty says.
“Our chief administrative officer, Mr. Wayken, has consistently acted in the best interests of our community under the direction of council. The attempts to cast doubt on his character and the character of others involved in community initiatives are deeply disappointing.”
Doherty says the strategy and partnership with the housing society has been transparent and is recognized nationally by CMHC as best practice. “Without Mr. Wayken, housing would not be moving forward in the community.”
The mayor points out that council is supportive of all staff who are trained professionals who work hard at keeping the town running.
Doherty says the CAO was tasked with completing construction of a failing childcare construction project and turning it around into a fully operational childcare centre. “Let us be clear, without Mr. Wayken, our daycare would undoubtably be closed.”
The mayor reiterates that Wayken has been working diligently to improve medical services in the village by engaging multiple parties.
Doherty admits that the village’s water system is in bad shape, noting they just received a notice that the town must treat its water. He estimates the total costs to upgrade the system is $30 million. This is another project that Wayken has been working on moving forward, the mayor says.
The Pioneer reached out to the mayor on August 16 with questions about potential conflict of interest and asked if any of the jobs (contracts) to the CAO’s son were put to tender or simply granted. It was also asked if there was a record of invoicing to the village. Doherty did not respond by press deadline Tuesday.
