Addington Highlands township office sign 2022
An eastern Ontario township's proposal for how to shield staff and councillors from harassment and other abusive behaviour has some residents accusing the municipality of overreach and attempting to muzzle critical voices.A proposed policy in the Township of Addington Highlands meant to curb abusive behaviour toward municipality staff and councillors has some concerned the restrictions outlined in the policy go too far.
In July, the township's five council members were presented with a draft "Unreasonable Behaviour Policy" they had requested months before. "Unreasonable behaviour will usually arise as a result of a course of conduct , but a single significant incident may qualify for steps to be taken," according to the policy.
Henry Hogg, pictured here in 2022, is the reeve for the Township of Addington Highlands west of Ottawa. , Joanne Volpe said de-escalation training is available online for staff and if things do get out of hand, "call the police." , said there hasn't been enough public consultation and he worries the policy would create "unequal and unfair treatment of individuals attempting to access public information.