Addington Highlands township office sign 2022
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. An eastern Ontario township's proposal 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.
The policy, which has yet to be voted on amid ongoing concern about its implications, outlines a number of specific and broad actions that might be termed by the township's chief administrative officer as unreasonable, as well as restrictions that would limit a person's ability to interact with township representatives.
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." if she would be branded unreasonable for repeatedly flagging a persistent pothole.
"I believe they're all egregious," she said of the proposed restrictions, adding she believes the policy is meant to stifle criticism.Hogg said concerns over the policy have become "overblown" in some people's minds, adding fire, ambulance and other essential services will not be held back as some have suggested.