Questions · 12 so far
We read Rainy River's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 43 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
These are unusual enough that residents deserve a clear answer from council.
+114%parks, arena and library, 2019 to 2024
Rainy River spent $334K on parks, arena and library in 2019 and $716K in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 2 of 43 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
$491Kin savings at the end of 2024
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Rainy River had $491K saved at the end of 2024, down from $500K in 2019. That is 16% of one year's spending. Only 3 of 43 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
$226Kowed in unpaid property tax, end of 2024
At the end of 2024, $226K of property tax had been billed but not paid. That is 23% of everything billed. Only 3 of 43 similar towns had a higher share. A year earlier it was $131K.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
There may well be a good reason. It is still worth asking what it is.
$3,429,802owed to suppliers at the end of 2024, against $220,667 in cash
At the end of 2024 the Town's cash was $220,667, down from $488,279, and its investments were $42,098, down from $563,443. It owed $3,429,802 in accounts payable, up from $584,058. It was also owed $3,074,745 in accounts receivable, up from $305,472. Net debt (what it owes less its financial assets) rose to $1,327,960 from $912,089. The Town spent $3,321,137 on assets under construction during the year. It has a bank credit facility of up to $300,000. The statements do not say what the receivable is, but government grants for building projects rose to $3,861,718 in 2024 from $1,374,944, including $1,200,154 federal and $1,000,028 provincial from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The 2024 surplus was $2,013,636 against a budgeted deficit of $959,514.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$593,314sewer fund deficit at the end of 2024, up from $421,726
The Town's accumulated surplus is split by fund. At the end of 2024 the water fund stood at a deficit of $316,848 (2023: $299,954) and the sewer fund at a deficit of $593,314 (2023: $421,726). The sewer deficit grew by $171,588 in a year (worked out by us). The general operating fund stood at a surplus of $457,131. Water and sewer deficits mean the fees collected over the years have not covered the costs charged to those funds. The 2026 budget has the general fund charging the water fund $30,000 and the sewer fund $30,000 in administration fees.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$386,473reserve funds with no investments set aside behind them, unchanged from 2023
The working capital reserve fell from $587,808 at the end of 2023 to $62,808 at the end of 2024, a drop of $525,000 (worked out by us). The statements list reserve funds of $427,693, led by $334,363 from the sale of the Town's hydro company. They also say that only $41,220 of investments are set aside for those reserve funds, so "there were $386,473 (2023 - $386,473) in unfunded reserve funds". That means most of the money the reserves say are saved has been spent or lent to other uses, and is not sitting in a separate account. The statements do not say how the working capital reserve was used.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$777,483spent on recreation and cultural services in 2024, against a budget of $184,963
The 2024 statement of operations shows recreation and cultural services spending of $777,483 against a budget of $184,963, a difference of $592,520 (worked out by us). It was $513,452 in 2023. Total spending was $4,079,030 against a budget of $3,775,622, because other areas, such as environmental services ($887,392 against $1,156,517), came in under their budgets. The statements do not explain the recreation figure. Donations of $138,360 (2023: $40,906) and a provincial grant of $244,668 from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation were received in 2024.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$63,847.27interest on loans in the 2026 budget, against $29,507 of scheduled interest on existing debt
The 2026 budget has $63,847.27 in General Administration on a line called "Interest on loans". The 2024 statements say the Town's long-term debt costs $31,862 in interest, and their repayment schedule shows interest of $29,507 for 2026. The budgeted amount is more than twice that. The statements show only two loans, with $637,048 owing at the end of 2024. We did not find a new loan in the documents we read.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
+13%town property tax, 2023 to 2024
In 2024, Rainy River collected $114K more in its own property tax than in 2023. That is a 13% jump, while prices went up about 2.4%. Only 5 of 43 similar towns raised theirs by more. Almost all of it came from a higher tax rate (up 8% for homes); the value of homes on the tax roll grew only −0.1%.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 4 sources
Background that helps make sense of the rest.
$112,774.73surplus from 2025 counted in the 2026 budget, labelled "not confirmed"
The approved 2026 budget balances at $4,066,514.33 on both sides. To get there it counts a credit of $112,774.73 on a line the budget itself labels "estimate 2025 surplus - not confirmed". We did not find 2025 audited statements to compare with.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 1 source
The 2024 statements say the Town found soil contamination on municipal property and hired an engineer, who dug out soil judged to be contaminated but could not fully assess the rest because of buildings and natural features. The statements say the extent of the remaining contamination, if any, "is undeterminable at this time", so no cost has been recorded. The property is still in use. The notes do not name the site or give any amount.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 1 source
The Integrity Commissioner's report signed August 5, 2026, which concerned a complaint about a public meeting held on March 2, 2026 and dismissed it, says "no official municipal audio or video recording of the March 2, 2026 meeting existed". Among its governance suggestions to Council it lists "considering the benefits of official audio or video recordings of Council meetings". We did not find a meeting video channel on the pages we read. The Commissioner states that these observations are "solely" recommendations.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
+114%parks, arena and library, 2019 to 2024
Rainy River spent $334K on parks, arena and library in 2019 and $716K in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 2 of 43 similar towns had faster growth here.
| Year | Parks, arena and library | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | −9% | +1% |
| 2021 | +21% | +4% |
| 2022 | +16% | +11% |
| 2023 | +37% | +16% |
| 2024 | +114% | +18% |
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
When one area grows much faster than prices, it is either doing more (which may be great) or paying more for the same thing. Residents deserve to know which.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Rainy River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Parks, arena and library: 2019 $334K, 2020 $306K, 2021 $403K, 2022 $389K, 2023 $457K, 2024 $716K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Arts and culture, from $48,100 to $308K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Typical growth among similar towns: 19%. Rainy River ranks 3rd of 44.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 43 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 · archived copy
$491Kin savings at the end of 2024
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Rainy River had $491K saved at the end of 2024, down from $500K in 2019. That is 16% of one year's spending. Only 3 of 43 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
| Year | Savings (reserves) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $500K |
| 2020 | $500K |
| 2021 | $495K |
| 2022 | $504K |
| 2023 | $1.0M |
| 2024 | $491K |
With little saved, a broken bridge or a storm has to be paid for with a sudden tax increase or a loan. Low savings can also mean past budgets were balanced by spending savings instead of facing the real cost.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Rainy River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Savings (reserves and reserve funds): 2019 $500K, 2020 $500K, 2021 $495K, 2022 $504K, 2023 $1.0M, 2024 $491K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 70, line 6420 · archived copy
Typical among similar towns: savings equal to 53% of a year's spending. Rainy River: 16%.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 43 similar municipalities · Schedules 40 and 70 · archived copy
$226Kowed in unpaid property tax, end of 2024
At the end of 2024, $226K of property tax had been billed but not paid. That is 23% of everything billed. Only 3 of 43 similar towns had a higher share. A year earlier it was $131K.
| Year | Unpaid property tax at year end |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $165K |
| 2020 | $134K |
| 2021 | $150K |
| 2022 | $148K |
| 2023 | $131K |
| 2024 | $226K |
When taxes go unpaid, everyone else carries the cost, and the town may borrow to cover the gap. The Province's financial indicators treat 10% to 15% as a moderate risk and more than 15% as a high risk. Collection is the town's job, so a rising number is worth asking about.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Rainy River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Taxes receivable: 2019 $165K, 2020 $134K, 2021 $150K, 2022 $148K, 2023 $131K, 2024 $226K. Of the 2024 total, $115K was from earlier years.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 70, lines 0610 to 0699 · archived copy
Typical among similar towns: 11.9% of taxes billed.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 43 similar municipalities · Schedules 26 and 70 · archived copy
$3,429,802owed to suppliers at the end of 2024, against $220,667 in cash
At the end of 2024 the Town's cash was $220,667, down from $488,279, and its investments were $42,098, down from $563,443. It owed $3,429,802 in accounts payable, up from $584,058. It was also owed $3,074,745 in accounts receivable, up from $305,472. Net debt (what it owes less its financial assets) rose to $1,327,960 from $912,089. The Town spent $3,321,137 on assets under construction during the year. It has a bank credit facility of up to $300,000. The statements do not say what the receivable is, but government grants for building projects rose to $3,861,718 in 2024 from $1,374,944, including $1,200,154 federal and $1,000,028 provincial from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The 2024 surplus was $2,013,636 against a budgeted deficit of $959,514.
A town that must pay large bills before grant money arrives can run short of cash, and may borrow or delay payments. Residents can reasonably ask whether the grant money was collected and whether any borrowing cost was incurred.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Rainy River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position: cash and cash equivalents 220,667 (2023: 488,279); portfolio investments 42,098 (563,443); accounts receivable 3,074,745 (305,472); taxes receivable 225,747; total of assets 3,563,257 (1,488,648). Accounts payable and accruals 3,429,802 (584,058); deferred revenue 102,655; net long-term debt 637,048; total of financial liabilities 4,891,217 (2,400,737). Net debt (1,327,960) ((912,089)).
Town of Rainy River, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (MNP LLP, February 2, 2026) · Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, PDF page 6 (printed page 1), scanned image
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows: change in accounts receivable (2,769,273); change in accounts payable and accruals 2,845,744; completion (acquisition) of tangible capital assets under construction (3,321,137); disposal (purchase) of portfolio investments 521,345; decrease in cash resources (267,612); cash at end of year 220,667.
Town of Rainy River, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (MNP LLP, February 2, 2026) · Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, PDF page 9 (printed page 4), scanned image
Note 4, Credit Facility: "The Municipality has an available credit facility with a Canadian Chartered Bank with a maximum authorized amount of $300,000, bearing interest at the bank's prime rate plus 1.0%."
Town of Rainy River, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (MNP LLP, February 2, 2026) · Note 4, PDF page 14 (printed page 9), scanned image
Notes 11 and 12: Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program 1,200,154 (federal) and 1,000,028 (provincial); Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund 508,682; total federal transfers 1,329,618; total provincial transfers 2,532,100. Statement of Operations: government transfers 3,861,718 (budget 780,182; 2023: 1,374,944); annual surplus 2,013,636 (budget (959,514)).
Town of Rainy River, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (MNP LLP, February 2, 2026) · Notes 11 and 12, PDF page 19 (printed page 14); Consolidated Statement of Operations, PDF page 7 (printed page 2), scanned images
$593,314sewer fund deficit at the end of 2024, up from $421,726
The Town's accumulated surplus is split by fund. At the end of 2024 the water fund stood at a deficit of $316,848 (2023: $299,954) and the sewer fund at a deficit of $593,314 (2023: $421,726). The sewer deficit grew by $171,588 in a year (worked out by us). The general operating fund stood at a surplus of $457,131. Water and sewer deficits mean the fees collected over the years have not covered the costs charged to those funds. The 2026 budget has the general fund charging the water fund $30,000 and the sewer fund $30,000 in administration fees.
Water and sewer are meant to be paid for by the people who use them. A growing deficit means either rates are too low, costs are rising, or the books carry costs, such as the yearly wear on pipes, that rates have not yet caught up with. Left alone, it falls back on taxpayers.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Rainy River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 10, Accumulated operating surplus, operating surplus by fund: general operating 457,131 (2023: 309,215); water (316,848) ((299,954)); sewer (593,314) ((421,726)); recreation board 43,907; cemetery (19,670); library 64,512; health care committee (16,653); heritage square committee 6,987; total (373,948) ((405,175)).
Town of Rainy River, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (MNP LLP, February 2, 2026) · Note 10, PDF page 18 (printed page 13), scanned image
Note 9, Tangible capital assets: amortization expense of $1,050,513 (2023: $1,046,012), of which "$165,141 for water infrastructure, and $220,897 for sewer infrastructure".
Town of Rainy River, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (MNP LLP, February 2, 2026) · Note 9, PDF page 17 (printed page 12), scanned image
General Administration: "Admin Fees - Water" 30,000.00 and "Admin Fees - Sewer" 30,000.00 (credits), with "Admin Fees - Health Centre" 8,500.00 and "Admin Fees - Cemetery" 5,528.37; subtotal credits $911,428.37, debits $620,976.41.
Budget 2026 - TOWN (approved) · General Administration, accounts 10-12-96-4520 and 10-12-96-4530, PDF page 3
$386,473reserve funds with no investments set aside behind them, unchanged from 2023
The working capital reserve fell from $587,808 at the end of 2023 to $62,808 at the end of 2024, a drop of $525,000 (worked out by us). The statements list reserve funds of $427,693, led by $334,363 from the sale of the Town's hydro company. They also say that only $41,220 of investments are set aside for those reserve funds, so "there were $386,473 (2023 - $386,473) in unfunded reserve funds". That means most of the money the reserves say are saved has been spent or lent to other uses, and is not sitting in a separate account. The statements do not say how the working capital reserve was used.
A reserve is savings for a named purpose. When the account behind it is nearly empty, the reserve is a promise on paper. Residents can ask what the money was spent on and whether it will be put back.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Rainy River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 10, reserve funds: hydro sale 334,363; water 3,402; locum house 3,242; library 37,978; sick leave 21,817; fire department 18,946; health centre 7,945; total 427,693 (2023: 441,233). Other reserve funds: working capital reserve 62,808 (2023: 587,808). "At December 31, 2024, the Municipality had $41,220 (2023 - $54,760) in investments restricted by Council resolution with respect to those reserve funds. As a result, there were $386,473 (2023 - $386,473) in unfunded reserve funds."
Town of Rainy River, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (MNP LLP, February 2, 2026) · Note 10, PDF page 18 (printed page 13), scanned image
Note 2, Portfolio investments: investments restricted by Council resolution 41,220 (2023: 54,760); other portfolio investments 878 (2023: 508,683); total 42,098 (2023: 563,443).
Town of Rainy River, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (MNP LLP, February 2, 2026) · Note 2, PDF page 13 (printed page 8), scanned image
$777,483spent on recreation and cultural services in 2024, against a budget of $184,963
The 2024 statement of operations shows recreation and cultural services spending of $777,483 against a budget of $184,963, a difference of $592,520 (worked out by us). It was $513,452 in 2023. Total spending was $4,079,030 against a budget of $3,775,622, because other areas, such as environmental services ($887,392 against $1,156,517), came in under their budgets. The statements do not explain the recreation figure. Donations of $138,360 (2023: $40,906) and a provincial grant of $244,668 from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation were received in 2024.
A budget is the promise to taxpayers. A line that comes in at four times its budget needs an explanation, even if grants paid for it.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Rainy River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Consolidated Statement of Operations, program expenses, 2024 budget / 2024 actual / 2023: recreation and cultural services 184,963 / 777,483 / 513,452; environmental services 1,156,517 / 887,392 / 883,118; total expenditures 3,775,622 / 4,079,030 / 3,631,205.
Town of Rainy River, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (MNP LLP, February 2, 2026) · Consolidated Statement of Operations and Accumulated Operating Surplus, PDF page 7 (printed page 2), scanned image
Note 12, provincial operating transfers: Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) 244,668 (2023: nil). Note 13, other income: donations 138,360 (2023: 40,906).
Town of Rainy River, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (MNP LLP, February 2, 2026) · Notes 12 and 13, PDF page 19 (printed page 14), scanned image
Note 19, Budget: the Financial Plan (Budget) By-Law adopted July 8, 2024 "was not prepared on a basis consistent with that used to report actual results"; it was prepared on a modified accrual basis and "the budget did not include amortization expense". Adjustments: budget by-law surplus (deficit) nil; add capital expenditures 340,486; less amortization (1,300,000); budget surplus (deficit) per consolidated statement of operations (959,514).
Town of Rainy River, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (MNP LLP, February 2, 2026) · Note 19, Budget, PDF page 21 (printed page 16), scanned image
$63,847.27interest on loans in the 2026 budget, against $29,507 of scheduled interest on existing debt
The 2026 budget has $63,847.27 in General Administration on a line called "Interest on loans". The 2024 statements say the Town's long-term debt costs $31,862 in interest, and their repayment schedule shows interest of $29,507 for 2026. The budgeted amount is more than twice that. The statements show only two loans, with $637,048 owing at the end of 2024. We did not find a new loan in the documents we read.
If the Town expects to borrow more in 2026, residents will want to know for what. If the line is too high, it ties up money that could be used elsewhere.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Rainy River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
General Administration, account 10-12-00-5410 "Interest on loans" $ 63,847.27; account 10-12-00-5411 "interest on reserve loans" nil.
Budget 2026 - TOWN (approved) · PDF page 3, accounts 10-12-00-5410 and 10-12-00-5411
Note 6, Net long-term debt: Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation loans of 546,329 and 90,719, total 637,048 (2023: 711,714). Repayment schedule, 2026: principal 36,519, interest 29,507, total 66,026. "Interest on long-term debt amounted to $31,862 (2023 - $29,899)."
Town of Rainy River, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (MNP LLP, February 2, 2026) · Note 6, PDF page 15 (printed page 10), scanned image
+13%town property tax, 2023 to 2024
In 2024, Rainy River collected $114K more in its own property tax than in 2023. That is a 13% jump, while prices went up about 2.4%. Only 5 of 43 similar towns raised theirs by more. Almost all of it came from a higher tax rate (up 8% for homes); the value of homes on the tax roll grew only −0.1%.
| Year | Town property tax |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $738K |
| 2020 | $773K |
| 2021 | $809K |
| 2022 | $852K |
| 2023 | $856K |
| 2024 | $970K |
A big one-year jump usually means something changed: a new cost, a service that grew, savings being rebuilt, or a problem from earlier years being paid for now. Residents should be able to see exactly which. Spread across every home, it is about $250 more each year.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Rainy River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Town property tax: $855,804 in 2023, $969,628 in 2024.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 10, line 9940 · archived copy
Typical increase among 43 similar Ontario towns: 6.4%. Rainy River ranks 6th highest.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 43 similar municipalities · Schedule 10, line 9940 · archived copy
Residential tax rate (town share): 2.665% in 2023, 2.878% in 2024. Residential assessment: $25.3M to $25.3M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 22, residential (RT) · archived copy
Prices (inflation) rose 2.4% over the same year.
$112,774.73surplus from 2025 counted in the 2026 budget, labelled "not confirmed"
The approved 2026 budget balances at $4,066,514.33 on both sides. To get there it counts a credit of $112,774.73 on a line the budget itself labels "estimate 2025 surplus - not confirmed". We did not find 2025 audited statements to compare with.
Using last year's surplus is a common way to keep taxes down. It is a risk when the surplus is not known, because a smaller one leaves a hole that has to be filled from reserves, which the 2024 statements show are thin.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Rainy River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Last page of the budget: a line "estimate 2025 surplus - not confirmed" with a credit of $ 112,774.73, then TOTAL credits $ 4,066,514.33 and debits $ 4,066,514.33, difference nil.
Budget 2026 - TOWN (approved) · PDF page 19 of 19, bottom of page
The 2024 statements say the Town found soil contamination on municipal property and hired an engineer, who dug out soil judged to be contaminated but could not fully assess the rest because of buildings and natural features. The statements say the extent of the remaining contamination, if any, "is undeterminable at this time", so no cost has been recorded. The property is still in use. The notes do not name the site or give any amount.
A clean-up can be costly, and it would fall on the budget of the year it happens. Residents can ask where the property is and whether there is a plan or a reserve.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Rainy River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 16, Contingent liabilities: the Municipality "identified soil contamination on municipal property and retained a third party engineer to assess and remediate any soil impacted". The engineer could not "completely assess the extent of the contamination"; the extent of what remains "is undeterminable at this time and no liability for the future costs of remediation have been recognized". "The property is still in productive use as at December 31, 2024."
Town of Rainy River, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (MNP LLP, February 2, 2026) · Note 16, PDF page 20 (printed page 15), scanned image
The Integrity Commissioner's report signed August 5, 2026, which concerned a complaint about a public meeting held on March 2, 2026 and dismissed it, says "no official municipal audio or video recording of the March 2, 2026 meeting existed". Among its governance suggestions to Council it lists "considering the benefits of official audio or video recordings of Council meetings". We did not find a meeting video channel on the pages we read. The Commissioner states that these observations are "solely" recommendations.
A recording lets residents who could not attend see what was said, and settles disputes about what happened. Many towns post one.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Rainy River? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
"An evidentiary limitation arose because no official municipal audio or video recording of the March 2, 2026 meeting existed."
Town of Rainy River - Integrity Commissioner Report, August 5, 2026 · Investigation Process, PDF page 2, scanned image
Governance Observations: "Council may wish to consider: ... considering the benefits of official audio or video recordings of Council meetings". The report says these observations are offered only as governance recommendations, not as findings against anyone.
Town of Rainy River - Integrity Commissioner Report, August 5, 2026 · Governance Observations, PDF page 3, scanned image