A City of North Vancouver councillor employed by the Bank of Montreal could be in a possible conflict of interest, according to Coun. Rod Clark.
Clark put forward a motion requesting Coun. Guy Heywood obtain an independent legal opinion on the matter. The motion was defeated, with several councillors praising Heywood's integrity.
The Bank of Montreal, which employs Heywood as a director-level employee, does business with Concert Properties. The development firm, along with Knightsbridge Properties, owns the largely vacant land south of the Northshore Auto Mall.
In 2009, Concert and Knightsbridge put forward a plan to build 800 homes on the site in addition to the 370,000 square feet of commercial space.
The development plan would require an amendment to the city's official community plan.
The possibility of a conflict of interest has already been dealt with, according to Heywood. "I was originally challenged by Coun. Clark in regard to another matter," he said. "I have sought and obtained an opinion."
Heywood was hired by the bank during his last term on council, but said his department has no connection to real estate deals.
Heywood said he has taken "great pains" to avoid any appearance of impropriety. "I remain unconflicted in my ability to participate in those debates," he said, referring to OCP deliberations regarding Concert Properties.
"I believe there may be a conflict of interest here," Clark said. "Conflict is more than a legal consideration, it has a moral and ethical dimension. . . . Council has to be seen to be above reproach, morally, ethically and legally."
Mayor Darrell Mussatto cautioned Clark not to cast aspersions on a fellow councillor.
"When I first saw it on the agenda it was a bit of a shock," Mussatto said. "I was very disappointed to see it remain on the agenda." Obtaining a legal opinion to ensure propriety is a personal responsibility that falls to each councillor, according to Mussatto.
"I make no apologies," Clark said, adding he told Heywood "well in advance" before adding the motion to the agenda. "This certainly, on the surface, was needing of questioning," Clark said.
Heywood received support from Coun. Craig Keating.
"I have no doubt in my own mind Coun. Heywood has behaved in a way that is beyond reproach."
Clark was the only councillor to support his motion.
