Concerns raised against Tillsonburg’s mayor and three councillors highlight a lack of trust at town hall, according to the integrity commissioner.
Sep 23, 2025 • Last updated Sep 23, 2025 •
The Town of Tillsonburg property at 10 Lisgar Avenue. File
Concerns raised against Tillsonburg’s mayor and three councillors ‘highlight a lack of trust’ at town hall, according to the town’s integrity commissioner.
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
In a report shared during Monday’s council meeting, representatives from Aird & Berlis – the town’s integrity commissioner – stated that earlier this year there were claims of code of conduct violations against Mayor Deb Gilvesy, Deputy Mayor David Beres, and councillors Chris Parker and Bob Parsons.
Meghan Cowan from Aird & Berlis LLP discussed five separate complaints made by three unnamed councillors concerning Gilvesy and Parker.
The complainants alleged that the two used their positions to push unfounded claims against staff, supported misleading statements to council, engaged in intimidation tactics, harassed staff members, and leaked closed meeting information to the public.
Gilvesy and Parker denied all accusations and cooperated with the investigation.
“We have determined that the members’ comments and actions did not rise to such a level as to merit our intervention and the exercise of our authority as integrity commissioner,” Cowan wrote as part of a 10-page report.
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Cowan further mentioned that these complaints “highlight a lack of trust” between council members and the internal processes of the town. The complaints “indicate a clear divide within council,” Cowan wrote.
“Whether this rift is real or perceived, it has influenced how actions and motives are viewed among members. Such polarization distracts council from its core responsibilities and reduces its decision-making effectiveness.”
Both Gilvesy and Parker agreed with this assessment.
“I must express how profoundly disappointed I am that it came to this in the first place,” said Parker. “To have my integrity questioned by three fellow councillors, individuals I work alongside in this chamber, has been not only demoralizing but personally painful. The emotional toll this has taken on me and my family has been significant. I remain confident in my actions throughout,(but) confidence does not shield one from the weight of unjust accusations.”
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Parker noted that this isn’t the first time another council member has used the complaint process as “a threat against me”.
“That is not what this tool is for,” he said. “The integrity commissioner exists to uphold accountability and transparency when genuine concerns arise. It is not a weapon to be wielded over political disagreements or personal grievances.”
“The complaints filed… are clear examples of how such actions can drive a wedge between elected officials promoting trust and collaboration,” Parker stated. “Council must do better… I’m committed to this path; I genuinely hope that the rest of council is as well.”
Gilvesy emphasized that having respectful debates is essential for doing what’s best for taxpayers.
“Despite the challenges of these past few months, I remain steadfast in my commitment to serving you with dedication and integrity,” she said.
“This has been an extremely difficult six months, and I want us to move forward together to get done what we were elected for.”
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
The concerns raised about Beres and Parsons were linked to discussions around expanding the Downtown Tillsonburg BIA.
Diving into earlier meetings, the group talked about whether BIA should cover more ground, which would result in an increased budget. How individual properties would be affected financially within these new boundaries depends on how new levy amounts compare with expanded assessments across BIA areas.
The complainant believed Beres should’ve acknowledged any conflict of interest since his son owns property downtown, alongside Parsons who also should’ve disclosed being part of BIA as representative on behalf of council.
“The delegations themselves were strictly informational purposes; they didn’t create matters for decision by council,” stated John Mascarin’s report from Aird & Berlis LLP. “The most council could do was receive those delegations.”
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
“We do not believe there was any wrongdoing; we won’t apply in court seeking judicial review,” Mascarin informed attendees on Monday. He added if someone disagrees with their conclusion they could choose judicial proceedings instead.
“If anyone misconstrued my intentions relating financial assistance regarding myself or family member like favoritism, trust me that’s certainly never been my intent,” remarked Beres during discussions. “I apologize if it appeared otherwise.”
Beres also pointed out he would step back before future conversations about BIA expansion.
“Pushing fairness towards community – taxpayers within Tillsonburg – Downtown BIA and certainly everyone present here,” he mentioned.
Source link
