Auditor slams officials over Hamilton’s outdoor shelter project, citing 'taxpayers absorbed' the 'fallout'
An audit of Hamilton’s outdoor shelter project has revealed a lack of accountability, governance, and control mechanisms, leading to increased costs and a failure to meet regulatory standards. The project's construction was rushed, with 'urgency overriding the importance of due diligence and good governance'.
The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) found that the city's approach to procurement and contract management was weak, allowing vendors to 'make a meal' of the project. This resulted in a $5.1 million budget overrun, with the city paying $2.3 million for units without seeing them or understanding their compliance with regulations.
The OAG's 11 recommendations focus on improving future projects and addressing lessons learned, including the need for better due diligence, expert engagement, and contract management. The city is now under pressure to respond to these recommendations and report back by July, with the ultimate goal of ensuring better governance and accountability in future initiatives.
