Kelowna City Hall pushes back on transparency claims

Kelowna City Hall is pushing back at a media report suggesting a lack of transparency.

The city issued a statement Friday morning, dismissing suggestions it operates behind closed doors, saying “most” council decisions are made publicly, adding closed meetings are actually restricted by law.

Following a report from a local publication, City Manager Doug Gilchrist said the city’s record shows extensive public access to council business, including livestreamed meetings, voting records, financial reports and audits.

“The suggestion that there is a ‘lack of transparency at City Hall’ makes for a compelling soundbite, but it is not supported by the facts,” Gilchrist said.