Former mayor Sandra Cooper claims she didn’t know her brother, Paul Bonwick, was involved in the process to sole-source a contract to build two recreation facilities in Collingwood in 2012/2013.
Cooper was on the witness stand yesterday and on Friday (Oct. 4) at the Collingwood Judicial Inquiry.
In August 2012, council voted in favour of purchasing and building two fabric-membrane structures for Central Park Arena and Centennial Aquatic Centre.
The contract was sole-sourced to BLT Construction, who purchased the fabric membranes from Sprung. Part of the cost of the buildings was paid from the proceeds of the 2012 Collus share sale.
Cooper told the inquiry she didn’t find out Bonwick was involved until 2018 when Ed Houghton - former acting chief administrative officer (CAO) for the town of Collingwood called to tell her CBC had uncovered police investigation documents showing Green Leaf was involved in lobbying during the deal, and Bonwick was the owner of the company.
“I was very surprised … that I never was aware of that,” said Cooper in her testimony.
John Mather, counsel for the commissioner, asked if it concerns her now knowing Bonwick, through Green Leaf, was involved with BLT.
“I certainly would have been interested in knowing, learning that,” she said. “It makes me question why I wasn’t notified.”
On Monday, Oct. 7, Paul Bonwick, as a participant in the inquiry, cross-examined his sister. He confirmed with her he did not “typically” share with her details of the people he was working with.
“Were we not clear that information should be kept separate and that, in fact, I should not be discussing those kinds of matters with you?” asked Bonwick.
Cooper agreed.
Documents show Bonwick was copied or directly sent emails from Cooper, related to a news release announcing the construction of the arena and pool. Bonwick signs his email correspondence with Cooper in this case with a Compenso Communications signature.
Through his company Compenso Communications, Bonwick had a contract with PowerStream prior to the 2012 share sale to help PowerStream with their bid to the town for 50 per cent of the hydro utility. Documents from the inquiry's first phase show Bonwick, through Compenso, promised intelligence gathering for PowerStream thanks to his network of contacts, specifically "municipal government leaders" in Collingwood.
William McDowell, counsel for the town in the inquiry, asked Cooper more about her understanding with her brother not to discuss his business.
“Mr. Bonwick had told me that he signed confidentiality agreements,” said Cooper.
McDowell brought up emails showing residents asking Cooper directly if Bonwick was involved, also suggesting there were rumours in town he was involved and benefitted from the transaction between the town and BLT.
“Questions like this, if they’re not answered, can undermine public trust,” said McDowell. “As mayor, isn’t it incumbent upon you to at least call him up and say, ‘Paul, I just need to know … where you involved in this?'”
Cooper said she received many emails in 2012 and 2013 and called some of them “disturbing.”
“As the mayor, I wasn’t prepared to address every rumour that was there … I mean, I’m the mayor. I’m not chasing down rumours. I go by fact … I did not know that Mr. Bonwick was involved here.”
Cooper said the rumours were “difficult” on her family, and in later questioning led by her lawyer George Marron, she said her family contacted the OPP about some of the emails she received.
McDowell asked what Cooper would have done had she known her brother was lobbying the town to get a contract for BLT.
“This is all 'would have, could have' … I certainly would have called him and asked ‘what is it exactly that you are doing?’” said Cooper, adding she would have spoken to the clerk about next steps if she learned Bonwick was involved.
Testimony at the inquiry, as well as documents compiled by the inquiry, show Bonwick, through his company, Green Leaf Distribution Inc., entered into a contract with BLT Construction before council’s vote to proceed with fabric membrane structures.
According to an opening statement filed by BLT Construction, BLT was told Green Leaf could assist BLT in securing the contract for the two recreation centres - both as Sprung buildings.
BLT states the agreement was Green Leaf would be paid only if BLT was awarded the contract.
The Collingwood Judicial Inquiry was called to look into the 50 per cent Collus share sale to PowerStream in 2012, and the subsequent allocation of proceeds from the sale to build and purchase two fabric membrane structures for recreation facilities in town.
Currently, the inquiry is in public hearings today and tomorrow (Oct. 9) at the town hall council chambers. You can stream them live here, or watch them on Rogers TV.
