City broke provincial rules by not telling public about meetings: Ombudsman

Hamilton city council will deal with a ruling tonight that says it broke provincial rules by holding two committee meetings without telling the public.

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé says the city held two waste management advisory committee meetings — one in September, one in January — without notifying the public.

That means the city contravened the Municipal Act, says Dubé's report. It didn't put the correct time, date and location in its online calendar, it says.

"The committee contravened the open meeting requirements under the act," Dubé's report says.

Dubé says the city should make sure notice of its meetings are posted publicly.

Here's what else is on the agenda:

• Ratifying a board of health decision to implement a new food and beverage strategy, which includes phasing out the sale of bottled water and sugary drinks at recreation centres.
• Rubber stamping a report recommending Bayfront Beach stay closed to swimming for the foreseeable future.
• Ratifying a decision asking the province to let municipalities decide when and where they want landfills.

The council meeting starts at 5 p.m. CBC Hamilton reporter Samantha Craggs will live tweet. Follow her at @SamCraggsCBC or in the window above.