Image: City of Mission / Mission Mayor Paul Horn (centre back) is pictured with councillors.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Problems among Mission council members

City of Mission seeks outside help as problems brew among councillors

Aug 7, 2025 | 11:37 AM

MISSION — The City of Mission released a statement Thursday acknowledging there are “ongoing issues and conflicts” among municipal councillors as it seeks help from the provincial government.

According to a news release from the municipality, Mission council has renewed its request for support from the B.C. Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs to help resolve what it calls “ongoing issues and conflicts” among members, and to afford the public with an independent assessment of the current situation and the recommended next steps.

With roughly 14 months before the next municipal election, the city says the request for the province to intervene comes as councillors have worked for years to “proactively improve relationships and professional conduct” among members with such activities as:

Professional mediation
Training
Open dialogue and mutual feedback sessions
Utilizing independent processes as part of Council’s Code of Responsible Conduct

“Despite this work, members of Council remain frustrated with the lack of respect for maintaining confidentiality and note that the unauthorized disclosures have resulted in interference, which undermines the ability of this City to carry out the important work,” the city said in a statement.

Closures of rec sites and campgrounds

Multiple recreation sites west of Harrison Lake closed due to tree danger

4h ago

Police investigation

Two people found dead in Langley Monday morning: RCMP

4h ago

First responders

Maple Ridge Mounties investigate marine incident near Port Haney Wharf involving adult male

5h ago

Furthermore, Council has concerns that these breaches and associated interference may have constituted a violation of sections 102, 103, 108 and 117 of the Community Charter:

Section 102: Restrictions on inside influence
Section 103: Restrictions on outside influence
Section 108: Restrictions on use of insider information
Section 117: Confidentiality

Council will ask that a municipal advisor be appointed as the “next essential step” in mending relations and improving the outcome of Council’s work.

“A Municipal Advisor will also provide an impartial public report, as seen with the City of Kamloops and Village of Harrison Hot Springs, that will help the community understand the ongoing issues and restore confidence in local governance. A report of this nature is imperative for maintaining transparency and building public trust,” the city said.

A copy of Council’s request to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs will appear in the Correspondence section of the Aug. 18 agenda.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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City of Mission seeks outside help as problems brew among councillors

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