Artist rendering of the Civic Square. (Supplied by Town of Coaldale)

By David Opinko

Coaldale councillor denies conflict of interest, calls out “shaming campaign”

Sep 15, 2020 | 12:38 PM

COALDALE, AB – Briane Simpson believes she has taken every possible step to prevent a possible conflict of interest.

The member of Coaldale Town Council has faced numerous accusations, primarily by the group Citizens for a Better Coaldale, of having a personal financial interest in the Civic Square project.

Earlier this month, Spokesperson Jason Beekman wrote to council saying, “It is likely many Coaldale taxpayers find it unacceptable if a councillor, or his/her family, will benefit financially from a multi-million dollar municipal capital project.”

More details on Civic Square, from the Request for Expressions of Interest, here.

Simpson issued a statement, explaining that her husband is a project manager with Epiphany Group (EG), a construction company in which the pair owns less than a five per cent stake.

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She claims, since she became aware that EG was planning to submit a proposal for the building, she has recused herself from all council discussions on the matter.

Simpson, however, did vote in opposition to a motion requested by Citizens for a Better Coaldale on July 13, 2020, that would see a plebiscite be held for all major capital projects, including Civic Square.

“To be certain, I chose to not recuse myself from the Motion because EG’s EOI was clearly too remote to reasonably be regarded as likely to influence my vote on plebiscites and capital. I believe that I was obligated to participate in the Motion,” reads a portion of Simpson’s statement.

“Regarding the way I voted on the Motion, I chose to decline the request for a plebiscite because if approved, Council would be effectively delegating capital project approval generally, and specifically to those who are able to show up for the plebiscite vote. Council has a duty, and was elected, to represent the residents of Coaldale and make reasoned decisions in their best interest, not to delegate the decision-making to a partial group of the public.”

The town councillor also addressed what she called a “shaming campaign” that reportedly contained “repeated, false, and inflammatory accusations levelled against me specifically.”

One video from Citizens for a Better Coaldale, which can be seen below, heavily implies that Simpson, by voting on the plebiscite, might have been in violation Section 170 of the Municipal Government Act. It prohibits councillors from taking part in discussions that could monetarily impact them.

“Even if council is following all provincial guidelines, the perception of a councillor’s conflict of interest is a serious concern to taxpayers,” says Beekman in the video.

“We’re not accusing anyone of anything – we’re just asking questions.”

Simpson responded by saying that her main concern is the “ill-will and division this shaming campaign could foment within our community. The unwarranted attempts to provoke discord within Coaldale is alarming and has the potential to cause long-lasting damage. Toxic discord, distinguishable from robust, spirited dialogue, may stand to benefit some in our community, but it will weaken our community as a whole.”

She adds that she has never been personally contacted by Citizens for a Better Coaldale nor any other group regarding concerns over an alleged conflict of interest.

“My door is open should any member of our community seek to discuss any grievances. Please contact myself and/or Council through phone or email as we are not always responsive over social media.”

LNN has covered other concerns raised by Citizens for a Better Coaldale around Civic Square, including a perceived lack of public consultations. More details can be found in the links below.

Citizens raise concerns over proposed new ‘Civic Square’ in Coaldale

Coaldale mayor addresses concerns on administrative transparency

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