Police investigator examining the mayor of North Bay
In a series of developments, North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico is currently under investigation by both the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Inspector General of Policing. The investigation stems from allegations that Chirico used the city's corporate credit card for personal expenses amounting to approximately $16,000 in 2023 and 2024.
The Inspector General of Policing, responsible for ensuring compliance with Ontario's policing legislation and regulations, has directed Chirico not to perform his duties as a member of the city's police services board, effective from August 1, 2025, until further notice. This suspension comes following the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp.'s announcement that Chirico is no longer participating in board decisions.
Chirico has since repaid the misused funds and has also surrendered his corporate card. In response to the allegations, he has also asked the city's integrity commissioner to investigate the matter.
The situation has raised concerns about transparency and has negatively impacted both Chirico's public standing and the city's reputation. As a result, a report from Margaret Karpenko, the city's chief financial officer, outlines a strengthened transparency bylaw requiring expenses claimed by the mayor and council to be published online each quarter. If approved, the expense details of the entire city council will be published, dating back to the start of the term in October 2022.
The North Bay police services board will continue its governance role without Chirico's participation during the investigation. It is worth noting that the board has two closed-door motions "about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees" listed on its agenda.
The Inspector General conducts inspections of police services, police service boards, and organizations that employ special constables, handles certain types of public complaints, and provides monitoring and advice to these entities. The OPP investigation is reportedly ongoing, with no further updates available at this time.
This article was written by Eric Taschner from NorthernOntario.ca. For the full agenda, please visit the provided link.
[1] North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico suspended from police services board [2] North Bay mayor under investigation for misuse of city funds [3] North Bay mayor's credit card scandal raises concerns about transparency [4] North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico repays $16,000 in personal expenses
[1] Following allegations of misuse of city funds, North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico has been directed by the Inspector General of Policing not to perform his duties as a member of the city's police services board, effective August 1, 2025, until further notice.
[2] In a series of developments, North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico is under investigation by both the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Inspector General of Policing for using the city's corporate credit card for personal expenses amounting to roughly $16,000 in 2023 and 2024.
[3] In response to the allegations that Chirico misused city funds, a report from Margaret Karpenko, the city's chief financial officer, outlines a strengthened transparency bylaw requiring expenses claimed by the mayor and council to be published online each quarter. If approved, the expense details of the entire city council will be available from the start of the term in October 2022.
