Councillors defend Hamilton Waterfront Trust

Hamilton councillors say they have "complete confidence" in the Hamilton Waterfront Trust despite recent issues raised about the arm's-length corporation's financial accountability.

The city's general issues committee heard a presentation Thursday that raised several questions, including the trust's past temporary loss of its charitable status and four years of deficit budgets that total $1.9 million.

Gary Santucci, who said he appeared on behalf of concerned citizens, asked the committee to consider conducting a forensic audit on the trust.

But Coun. Tom Jackson, one of two council appointees on the trust's board, said that's not necessary. Santucci's points are old news and have been resolved, he said.

"So much of it has been regurgitated and is news from five, six, seven years ago," Jackson said. "I think we need to celebrate so many of the wonderful projects that are going on at the West Harbour and the beach trail."

Santucci, who owns The Pearl Company, appeared after an article in the Bay Observer questioned the financial dealings of the trust.

His questions included a GST audit performed by the Canada Revenue Agency that resulted in the trust owing about $500,000, and a "failed audit" in 2007.

But Roberto Rossini, the city's general manager of finance and corporate services, said the rebate happened after officials discovered the trust could only claim a 50 per cent rebate rather than 100 per cent.

And the audit, councillors said, was merely an "adverse" opinion.

Committee members said they were confident in the trust and the work it is doing. The organization has also been scrutinized on some community blogs, Coun. Brad Clark said, which is negativity that influences the city's reputation.

Jackson echoed those comments.

"Unfortunately there's a consistent small cabal of naysayers in our community for the Waterfront Trust," he said after the meeting.