WEST KELOWNA — West Kelowna city Councillor Rusty Ensign has been found to be in conflict of interest for contacting a developer who was doing business with the city.
The council probe began after it was learned Ensign approached a firm proposing to build a waterfront resort.
Ensign’s transgression was to vote on a rezoning application for the resort while also endeavouring to have one of his companies do demolition and site preparation work for the project.
“After voting on it at third reading, in an open meeting, I did what I have habitually done as a businessman for 30 years and I thought I would go and give them a quote,” says Ensign. “I should have waited until after fourth reading.”
At a special council meeting Monday, the vote was unanimous to censure and sanction Ensign. He also voted in favour.
“What I’ve done is created an awkward position for all of us, particularly the mayor. I’m sorry we all have to go through this,” says Ensign.
Ensign has agreed to pay half the legal fees incurred by the city stemming from the censure hearing. He estimates it’s about $2,000.
Ensign is also required to publicly admit to his conflict of interest and write a letter of apology to city council
“If it’s any major project or any public project in West Kelowna, I made a commitment at the hearing that I won’t be involved in it. That’s a lesson learned and committed to and I’ll follow through with that.”