To wrap up Tuesday’s (May 21) council meeting, Mission Mayor Paul Horn addressed claims by Coun. Ken Herar that a recent industrial park decision was “invalid and illegal”. Herar raised concerns about improper processes at council on April 15 and on social media earlier in May.
Horn says it created a barrier to constructive dialogue and Herar’s remarks did not meet the “parliamentary standard.” The mayor wanted to assure the public that processes were followed and that nothing was unusual about the Cade Barr application. “[The remarks] have caused harm to private citizens, including businesses and council members’ families, and they potentially damage the reputation of the city itself.
The remarks in Councillor Herar’s online posting and public comments are also potentially legally actionable, and could put Mission taxpayers at risk,” Horn said. On April 15, council voted 6-1 to rezone a property and amend the community plan to allow for an industrial park on Dewdney Trunk Road near Cade Barr Street, with Herar opposed. The project received previous pushback at a public hearing and narrowly passed the third reading in January 2023 with Herar, Coun.
Jag Gill and Coun. Danny Plecas against. Herar said in April that procedure violations made the application and public hearing process invalid.
He attended a “Council Cafe” session in January 2023 with councillors Angel Elias and Coun. Mark Davies where he alleges they engaged in discussions with the public .
