Rideau Lakes Mayor Arie Hoogenboom (file photo)
The Township of Rideau Lakes Integrity Commissioner has dismissed a complaint against Mayor Arie Hoogenboom concerning environmental compliance issues at Lower Beverley Lake Park.
The complaint alleged that the mayor failed to inform council before February 2026 that the municipally owned campground was not fully compliant with Ministry of the Environment requirements and that his public statements describing the park as being “in compliance” were misleading.
After reviewing council records, correspondence, meeting materials, and conducting interviews, Integrity Commissioner Ellen Fry concluded that council had been made aware of ongoing sewage and environmental issues at the park through reports, emails, annual reports, and board updates dating back several years.
Hoogenboom took a moment to speak to Fry’s findings at their recent meeting.
The investigation found that the disagreement centred on differing interpretations of the term “compliance.”
While the complainant argued the park had not met all ministry requirements, the mayor maintained the park remained in compliance because it continued operating with ministry oversight while working to address outstanding requirements.
Hoogenboom said this complaint was a waste of taxpayer money.
The report concluded that Hoogenboom did not violate the township’s Code of Conduct.
The mayor believes this was the 31st integrity commissioner investigation conducted during this council term, which concludes in October.
Rideau Lakes Clerk Mary Ellen Truelove said this investigation cost $6,765 plus tax.
Story by Grant
