The final report from the third-party review of the Ma-Te-Way Expansion Project was received and accepted by Renfrew Town Council during the Regular Meeting of Council held on August 13, 2024. WSCS Consulting Inc., commissioned by the Town in May 2023, presented their comprehensive report detailing key findings of the review process.
The complete final report (linked here) identifies in detail several factors that contributed to the project's difficulties and setbacks, including: Budget Discrepancies, Oversight Challenges, Contract Management, and Procurement Practices.
Interim findings from the third-party review were shared on December 19, 2023, and final findings on March 21, 2024. After receiving legal advice on April 9, 2024, CAO Tremblay was instructed by Council to file a complaint with the OPP and start civil proceedings for a fraud investigation which is still ongoing.
"We recognize that these findings are frustrating for Renfrew residents and taxpayers," says Rob Tremblay, Town of Renfrew CAO. "Both the Town and Council are committed to tackling the issues highlighted in the review, many of which are in the process of being addressed through the Management Response Plan put in place following the initial findings this past April."
As the Town continues to implement structural and policy changes based on the review findings, a Management Response Plan was adopted by Council on April 23, 2024 which included key next-steps such as:
- Creating a Major Capital Projects Policy (focused on improving reporting, project management, scoping, and risk assessment);
- Reviewing the current Procurement Policy;
- Developing policies for Community Engagement, Sponsorship, and Leasing;
- Updating the Staff Code of Conduct: and,
- Providing training on purchasing, fraud prevention, and project management.
Additionally, a fee/subsidy review for recreation is planned for 2025, and the potential for a Project Specialist position for consideration in 2025 or 2026. An Information Management Audit is also in progress.
The expanded Ma-te-Way Recreation Centre (myFM Centre) is a significant asset for the Town of Renfrew, offering enhanced facilities and services. The Town remains focused on utilizing this new and state-of the-art recreation facility. The completed facility has been operational for several months delivering high-quality recreational and cultural programming that benefit all residents and users.