(Today’s Northumberland Town Hall)
Appropriate Authorities are being consulted concerning serious threats, acts of intimidation, and harassment directed at senior staff members of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand.
Staff members were recently targeted on social media, by email, and through comments submitted through the Township website.
Statement from Mayor John Logel:
“These threats are extremely troubling and entirely unacceptable. The incivility within our community must stop. Municipal staff work hard every day to serve residents, implement Council’s decisions, and provide the services that our community depends on. While we recognize that residents may sometimes disagree with decisions, policies, or projects, there is never any justification for threats, intimidation, harassment, or abusive behaviour directed toward municipal employees. Our staff deserve to perform
their duties in a safe and respectful environment. Threats against staff, whether made in person, by phone, online, or through any other means, are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Statement from CAO/Fire Chief Dave Dawson:
“The Township of Alnwick/Haldimand is committed to openness, transparency, and respectful public engagement. Constructive discussion, differing viewpoints, and healthy debate are essential components of local democracy. Residents have every right to express concerns, ask questions, and hold municipal decision-makers accountable.
Township staff are dedicated public servants who carry out their professional responsibilities in accordance with municipal policies, Council direction, applicable legislation, and their obligations to the community. Staff members do not establish municipal policy; rather, they provide professional advice, implement Council decisions, and deliver essential services to residents.
The Township has both a legal and moral obligation to protect the health, safety, and well-being of its employees. Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, workplace harassment is defined as:
“Engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against a worker in a workplace, including virtually through the use of information and communications technology, that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.”
The Act further recognizes that workplace harassment can occur through virtual communications and technology-based platforms. Employers are required to maintain policies and programs to protect workers from workplace harassment and workplace violence and to provide a safe and healthy work environment.
The Township takes these responsibilities seriously. Comments, statements, or conduct that target employees personally, undermine their professional integrity through false allegations, or create a hostile work environment can have significant impacts on employee health, safety, and mental well-being. Such conduct may also discourage talented professionals from serving our community and negatively affect the Township’s ability to provide effective public services.
On behalf of the Township administration, I thank residents who continue to engage thoughtfully and respectfully in matters affecting our municipality. By working together in a spirit of mutual respect, we can ensure that public discourse remains productive, informed, and focused on the best interests of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand.”
The Municipal Office in Grafton will remain closed to the public for walk-in service until further notice. Facility enhancements for the protection of staff at the Municipal Office are being implemented. Once the enhancements have been completed, it is anticipated that the facility will be re-opened for walk-in service. Until such time, services will be provided by appointment only. Please call 905-349-2822 or email info@ahtwp.ca to make an appointment.
The drop box located at the front of the Municipal Office continues to be available for submitting payments or applications.
In addition, all Council, Committee of the Whole, Municipal Planning Meetings and Committee of Adjustment/Land Division meetings will be held virtually using Zoom Technologies until further notice.
The Township has issued several notices to the public in the last 24 months about harassment, intimidation and threatening behaviour towards staff. The Township has also issued statements and educational material on misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation to raise awareness about information circulating online and to direct residents to official Township communication channels for accurate, timely information.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
