Sherri Bell

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Councillor files human rights complaint against Ramara for bullying

OrilliaMatters

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With customary dignity, integrity and truth, I won't litigate here. I will note two things: 1. when a human rights complaint is brought, it should be treated with the seriousness it warrants 2. statements attributed to the Mayor in this article are disputed and belong in the proper forum.This is not “politics.”. It's sustained conduct toward me. The allegations include unequal treatment, reprisal, harassment and attempts to control, isolate and silence me in my elected role. It is the chronicle of what I've experienced.Significant space is given to the Township’s position rather than the allegations brought. Events/words are conflated. I spoke only of accessing assistance not timelines; my reference to “disagreeable” was specifically in the context of strong female leaders like Hazel McCallion; the males' actions are mixed up as are dates - not surprising since the chronology is limited to only 94 incidents. Full media release:https://www.facebook.com/sherribellward5

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Ramara councillor docked 60 days pay for code of conduct breaches

OrilliaMatters

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Today’s rigged Integrity Commissioner report is built on one provable mistruth – and it is not mine.On August 25, Deputy Mayor Keith Bell interrupted me on the public record and declared:“I called you every day.”He did NOT call me every day.My phone records prove it:• Mayor Clarke: zero calls• Deputy Mayor Bell: one call on April 3/two voicemails (to tell me he'd email/garbled)While Ramara families were cold, scared and without power for 9+ days, we found each other and we overcame. I asked for an After-Action Report so we can learn - it was not moved forward when the Mayor asked if any Member knew what I was talking about (Orillia did).They left us in the dark for five days, then weaponized the Integrity Commissioner against me - the Councillor who dared speak up. This is retaliation.Find my statement, fight for democracy and more (August 25 meeting, gavel of oppression, phone records, voicemail):https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14NW9mFDXEf/

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Ramara councillor docked 60 days pay for code of conduct breaches

OrilliaMatters

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Strong Mayor Clarke is quoted as saying I made a false statement. Again, not true.I reminded Council/Administration after my outreach to Ontario's Ombudsman, Ramara's Procedure Policy ,which was abandoned in 2024/5, would be returned to - from September 2025 onward.The CAO "assured" that the public Tender Opening had happened. I noted these were to be by Committee and publicly accessible and I had not become aware of any. The gavel of oppression was used.A check of Ramara's Civic Web at 11:58PM on November 24 confirms no Tender Openings on the calendar since back to January of 2025. The point I was making is if the public doesn't know the Procedure is reinstated the problem is not solved - and I wasn't aware of any Openings.Listen to the November 24 meeting beginning at the 53:00 minute mark:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IiRqJly0iAFind my complete and fulsome post regarding Ramara's Procurement Policy here:https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GZtmMrbQj/”

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Ramara councillor docked 60 days pay for code of conduct breaches

OrilliaMatters

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My comments with regard to the staff member as they pertain to the discussion at hand were that that she is neither lawyer nor engineer, which to the best of my knowledge remains true:https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-clarke-cbco-6011581a1/Again, the rigged, weaponized IC Report is nothing more than punitive, relentless harassment.For all readers, I'm at [email protected] and welcome your call to discuss the reasons for the the victimization I suffer.

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Councillor tries to amend bylaw, asked to leave meeting

OrilliaMatters

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Find my well-researched/thought Amendment as some details are missing here:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AWm15Ghoj/There was no need to do anything other than consider amendments. The statement carried on 2025 at COW was not a Bylaw. The Bylaw was a draft on February 9 so I didn't argue the connection timeline. The Bylaw was thus moved and in the possession of Council on February 23 and therefore an amendment could be brought. I was warned none may be considered.All members had the amendment ahead of time - I have the receipts and will be posting shortly with the Strong Mayor's two contradictory statements: 'To Repeal or Not To Repeal'. Does the Bylaw once moved supersede the Committee of the Whole? Robert's Rules and long-time trainers of same say: YES.Find facts and receipts: https://www.facebook.com/sherribellward5Yesterday was a full-on bullying session. I noted so on my way out - the bullying will not stop me from doing what's right for Ramara's families.

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Councillor tries to amend bylaw, asked to leave meeting

OrilliaMatters

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My behavior is exemplary as I serve with dignity and integrity. Without prejudice, I offered a statement of regret that my questions were perceived as doing anything than seeking accountable and transparent governance. I was bullied and offered I was sorry the Strong Mayor felt the duty of scrutiny to somehow be outside the Act. Then a second statement of regret similar to the first. Finally, the statement that similar to the fist three statements without prejudice, I was sorry.With regard to the Ward 5 sewer expansion, the project has not been moved forward in a manner that upholds good governance and democracy. Again: the Council DID NOT deliberate the recent grant - I challenge you to find the Minutes that say it did.On procedure - beware and watch for my next post. Check my last two here:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1L2CfugkhS/https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1KFG1ek2o2/It was the CAO laughing while Clarke bullied me so no IC but I've requested an apology.

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Ramara councillor in hot water with integrity commissioner for fifth time

OrilliaMatters

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As always, I invite you to follow me at: https://www.facebook.com/sherribellward5 where you'll learn about a pattern of relentless harassment and how the rigged, weaponized Integrity Commissioner process is being used to further the aims of silencing a change-making female who believes in accountability, transparency, due diligence, due process - democracy.You'll hear me speak about sanctions shrouded in secrecy - no complaint, investigation or findings, a complaint lodged against me and meeting the only outcome it could ever have met: dismissal - 251 days later, the gavel of oppression silencing the voices of Ramara, see my phone records proving beyond the shadow of a doubt Strong Mayor Clarke never spoke to me before, during or after Ice Storm 2025 and only one call with Keith Bell on April 3 - not daily as he claims, about Ramara not following its Procurement Policy, Closed Session lobbying, buried reports, and more.Your call is welcome at 905.220.8778. Thank you.

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Coun. Bell stands firm, refuses to apologize, gets removed again

OrilliaMatters

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On the contrary I have dedicated myself to Ramara's families.I offered a clear and parliamentary statement of regret. I welcome your call to help you learn how my commitment to educating Ramara's families about the Bayshore Village financial and environmental concern is in year 16, how resolutions held in closed were preventing democracy, how the Township did not follow its Procurement Policies (taxpayer dollars), the state of Lagoon City's waters, creating Closed Session outside the Municipal Act...and more...I'm at 905.220.8779 and always welcome a chat :)

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Councillor tries to amend bylaw, asked to leave meeting

OrilliaMatters

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Oh terror adagio, your language here has suggested to me just who you are. You missed the flipness in my tone - the relentless, now vicious harassment hasn't seen me stop advocating for Ramara's families - nor will it.I will continue to stand for Primary Care, for protection of Lake Simcoe, for excellence in Emergency Management, for enhanced Property Standards, for Ramara's businesses, for polices to be respected for fairness and equity, for due diligence, and more, and I'll keep doing it all with dignity and integrity as I always do, despite attempts to assassinate my character. I shall rise above - I was once told big minds talk about big things and small minds talk about people...to the issues it is :)

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Councillor tries to amend bylaw, asked to leave meeting

OrilliaMatters

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Sandy Loos your kind words are deeply appreciated. Yesterday's meeting was loooooong before we even landed on this Regulatory Bylaw.For example, we received an excellent report from a survey completed by Georgian College - for Council one of a number on a heavy agenda circulated Wednesday last week. For the community, it was circulated last Friday (I'm told the 12PM publishing happens now vs the 4PM pr even later - which is a great start). This report needed careful thought - time to read and internalize. That was not an option; rather, it was pushed through with sweeping recommendations. Silence around the horseshoe. I stated it was offering no respect to the people who brought it to fruition - nor Ramara's businesses and families who wouldn't even have had a chance to think about it - never mind ask questions. Through it went.The bullying really got into full swing when I advocated for Ramara's families and advocate I will 'cause they're worth it :)

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Councillor tries to amend bylaw, asked to leave meeting

OrilliaMatters

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Thank you ElizabethMK I appreciate your kind words. I am fiercely committed to my duties. I serve humbly and with joy and my moral compass will always guide me. It's my very advocacy for good governance that sees us here.This sewer expansion project was placed before Council just months before the water and sewer systems were declared "unsustainable" by the administration. Can you imagine? Correspondence from affected properties was not shared, How about that? And you see, this is not he only occurrence when information was not provided to enable me to make decisions with the full picture. I have one matter pending at the Ombudsman's office for example which I'm at a loss as to how to deal with - it impacts 50+ families. So yes, stand I will, for what is right. The relentless, now vicious, harassment will come to an end. Municipal government is impermanent...and this too, shall pass :)

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Coun. Bell stands firm, refuses to apologize, gets removed again

OrilliaMatters

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c.Grace it is not I who has filed frivolous complaints, with no receipts, under a weaponized process. Nor is it I who is prepared to sacrifice my dignity and integrity by entering to such things.I don't know who you are and absolutely welcome your outreach so you can ask questions beginning with the first complaint filed and held for 251 days (not the 90 the weaponized IC process requires) before being rightfully dismissed as was the only outcome. I can help you understand about motions held in Closed Session removing my communities' democratic rights, the Township not following its Procurement Policy, the shelved 2015 Stormwater and Ramara Creeks Subwatershed Plans, the Bayshore Village financial and environmental concern now in year 16 and counting and its devastating impacts...the Ward 5 sewer expansion - an afternoon's conversation on its own.Find me at the link below, I welcome your contact:https://www.facebook.com/sherribellward5

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Councillor tries to amend bylaw, asked to leave meeting

OrilliaMatters

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whoknows Thank you for this. In a million lifetimes I don't think I could have imagined what is happening here. The first questions probed the still pending 16-year Bayshore Village Sewage Works issue. In step, i communicated that Members K Bell and Snutch were advocating to remove the first ever proposed federal transfer toward Ramara's water and sewer - among the highest in the province and rising. I have continued to advocate and accomplish despite what went from incivility to relentless now vicious harassment. Democracy matters and Ramara's families of today and tomorrow are absolutely who I advocate for!

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Councillor tries to amend bylaw, asked to leave meeting

OrilliaMatters

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I popped up a post tonight to talk about Procedure and how my request to forward my Amendment was handled internally:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/184nMdneE

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Councillor tries to amend bylaw, asked to leave meeting

OrilliaMatters

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no laughing matter again, I don't know you. Perhaps you'd like to identify yourself and have a chat? I have no concerns about my integrity, dignity, honesty, professionalism and commitment to executing my duties with honour and grace.I am deeply concerned, however, about broken and weaponized processes which i believe are designed to serve agendas or maybe serve those who don't see themselves as possessing the qualities and commitments I have.A conversation would give you the opportunity to ask questions and learn about my commitment to democracy and Ramara's families. I post regularly and welcome you to follow along for the facts, Governance Pursuits, and No Nonsense moments, as well as a ton of other great information.In all my working years, I've never experienced being harassed nor watching it happen to someone else - if I did see it happening I would take an approach to resolve it :)https://www.facebook.com/sherribellward5

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Councillor tries to amend bylaw, asked to leave meeting

OrilliaMatters

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Hi John R you are bang on.I read every report on the Agenda and in some cases twice. I put a ton of research and care into building an Amendment that served my community and the future of the municipality, on the Ward 5 sewer expansion. With 81 families involved there will be different approaches: some will pay the lump sum and connect right away - great for them and great for people who have to finance since the overall loan will be lower. Some would pay the lump sum if they had a little more time to connect - December of 2028 is not so far off, and this approach will suffer.Some will choose the amortization and make the deadline but struggle other ways and others will struggle to hit the December 28 - they may not make it and here come the fines.I looked for a Bylaw that was balanced, stilled the fear and let people breathe - those don't need longer wouldn't take it even if offered...Thank you John for your kindness :)

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Ramara holding special meeting to grapple with flooding issues

OrilliaMatters

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Hi Grouchy, I've been in contact with residents over the last few days and especially last 24 hours. Community members said they hadn't been able to make contact with the Mayor and asked if I could speak on their behalfIt's tricky. The Mayor has had essentially no contact with me outside of Council Chambers since December 14, 2023, when I began to educate (with receipts) about the environmental and financial at Bayshore Village other than to restate improper sanctions. My advocacy for critical issues and community serving initiatives has been constant.I created an email and published a statement to let people know I'm right here rock-solid but that I, as a Councillor, am unable to take particular actions. Not long after I received the first communication and now.... here we are.My post is here and I'll update it whenever anything new is learned.https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18aRk1dmuR/For any reader, I'm at 905.220.8778 and am happy to chat :)

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Councillor files human rights complaint against Ramara for bullying

OrilliaMatters

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Kevin Howell there are a multiple issues raised, we agree.Women should not be expected to check their human rights at the Council Chamber door. I believe very much in unifying government; accountable, transparent and truthful government,; government that engages and government that is done with its communities not to them. I believe in procedure and policy and despite the chronology I limited to 94 incidents and I believe democracy can prevail. Democracy is thin and fleeting in these times, we agree there too.. I think though, the sun is beginning to shine :)

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How a sewer bylaw caused quite a stink about Ramara's procedures

OrilliaMatters

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DJWRRR my transparency is beyond reproach on this & all matters. It was I who created the Ombudsman's investigation after Tuju lobbied Council creating a Closed Session & Clarke would not admit the materials & email to the record.The concern was not that Tuju forwarded information it was that it came with lobbying to secretly, materially advance business :https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/en/our-work/municipal-meetings/township-ramara-october-10-2025 I published and engaged about my very well-researched, well-thought and comprehensive amendment and provided it to CAO and staff to place on the record. I shared by BCC and NO discussion.100% actions of transparency. If staff through the CAO were not forced to ignore the Municipal Act and democracy, the amendment would be in the Minutes now.I don't know which 'we' has hired professionals? Are you staff? I wouldn't know, since I haven't known or spoken to current staff. I had (have) an excellent relationship with former though :)

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Ramara considers disabling live chat and limiting how long council videos stay online

OrilliaMatters

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Grouchy without speaking to Closed Session matters, and knowing you are very engaged, I can say emphatically, my steadfast commitment to accountable, transparent, engaged government that respects due diligence and due process is a matter of public record. I've made no secret of my advocacy in general and on specific matters :)The difficulty with the litigation matters you've noted is finding the balance between what I can communicate and what the township has the duty to communicate. I can tell you this though: while I've had a busy few weeks which has seen my uncharacteristically quiet over especially the past few days - I haven't gone anywhere!I will be speaking to what I can within the confines of duties and responsibilities under the Municipal Act :) I'm at 905.220.8778 and [email protected] andhttps://www.facebook.com/sherribellward5/

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