The Saskatchewan government has taken the rare step of removing the reeve from the Rural Municipality of Sherwood.
A judicial inquiry found serious conflicts of interest and violations of the public trust by reeve Kevin Eberle regarding a proposed high-density residential subdivision in the RM.
Justice Ron Barclay was appointed last June after allegations were brought forward about the proposed Wascana Village development. The development would have seen homes for about 14,000 people on five quarters south-east of Regina.
The inquiry found Eberle, who owns three of the quarters, had a direct pecuniary interest in the proposed development and had attempted to influence decisions regarding a concept plan.
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The government has appointed lawyer Neil Robertson as interim reeve and Steven Schiefner as an official administrator to work with the council and administration and complete an official community plan.
A byelection will be held in October to fill the reeve’s position.
“This is not a step any government would ever want to take, but the serious findings in this report require extraordinary action to ensure the best interests of Sherwood ratepayers are protected,” said government relations minister Jim Reiter in a news release.
The government also intends to update municipal legislation regarding conflict of interest.
Contact karen.briere@producer.com
