City of Barrie Boundary Adjustment

Release of Legal Invoices

On August 19, 2026, Council passed Resolution C392-2026, directing staff to conduct a records search of all documents in care and control of the Township relating to the matters and expenditures reflected in, or connected to, the publicly released invoices of Affleck Greene McMurtry LLP, Aird & Berlis LLP and Loopstra Nixon LLP.

On October 13, 2026, Council passed the following Resolution: 

Council Resolution C463-2026

Moved by: Deputy Mayor Cabral

Seconded by: Councillor Fisher

Whereas Council approved a motion on July 29, 2026, initiating the procurement process for an independent forensic review of legal expenditures relating to the Barrie Boundary Adjustment; and,

Whereas following consideration of the proposal received, Council subsequently directed staff, through Resolution C392-2026 of August 19, 2026, to compile the relevant records for Council's review; and,

Whereas Council recognizes its responsibility for transparency, accountability and the expenditure of public funds.

Now Therefore Be It Resolved That:

1. Public Disclosure

Council authorizes and directs the fullest lawful public release of all records compiled or required to be compiled pursuant to Resolution C392-2026, including invoices, correspondence, emails, attachments, legal opinions, agreements, instructions, and reports and records involving Aird & Berlis LLP, Affleck Greene McMurtry LLP, Loopstra Nixon LLP and associated consultants.

2. Express Waiver of Privilege

Council, as the governing body and decision-making authority of the Corporation of the Township of Springwater, hereby expressly waives solicitor-client privilege and litigation privilege held exclusively by the Township over the records identified in Section 1, for the purpose of their authorized public disclosure.

This waiver does not extend to privilege held by other parties or authorize disclosure otherwise prohibited by law.

3. Redactions

Staff shall apply redactions judiciously and only to the minimum extent legally necessary, including to protect personal information, legally protected third-party information and other binding legal obligations.

Wherever possible, only the protected portions shall be redacted. Political sensitivity, potential embarrassment or criticism shall not constitute grounds for withholding information.

4. Accountability

Staff shall publish a complete document index identifying all records released in full, redacted or withheld, together with the specific legal grounds and a brief explanation for each redaction or withholding, to the extent legally permissible.

Every decision to withhold information must be justifiable.

5. Preparation and Council Oversight

Staff shall proceed immediately with reviewing the complete collection, completing legally necessary redactions, and preparing the document index and redaction summary.

Any unresolved matter requiring Council's direction prior to the release date shall be promptly referred to Council. Where necessary, a Special Meeting may be convened in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Township's Procedural By-law.

6. Public Release

Council directs that the complete collection of records identified in Section 1, subject only to legally required redactions or withholding, together with the comprehensive document index and redaction summary, be published on the Township's official website by November 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., without requiring individual Freedom of Information requests.

No extension of the publication deadline or staged release is authorized without further resolution of Council.

And Further That the Clerk ensure Council's disclosure direction is publicly reported in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Township's Procedural By-law. 

Carried

Links to all released documents are provided in the chart below.