Back to SearchAs your Mayor, I am addressing a growing concern of the increase in disrespectful language, insults, and sometimes threatening behavior aimed at City Administration and Council members. Recently, we have noticed a rise in disrespectful comments, especially on social media, where many people turn for information.
For news about our Municipality, I encourage you to visit Kenora.ca, attend a Council Meeting in person or online, and follow the City of Kenora’s social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). It is increasingly important to ensure that the community is reading factual information from reliable sources regarding City business.
While everyone is entitled to their opinions, it is crucial that those opinions are expressed in ways that reflect our community's values. Comments opposing Council decisions, offering suggestions, and voicing concerns about local municipal issues, are a few examples that are acceptable and welcome, when done in a respectful manner.
However, we will not tolerate attacks on anyone's personal integrity, harassment, insults, or the spreading of false information and conspiracy theories meant to incite anger within the community. Additionally, sharing confidential information or personal details about Council members, City Administration, their families, or other community members is neither acceptable nor constructive.
The City is committed to building respectful relationships amongst employees, Council members, and the public. To keep our community safe and pleasant for everyone, we all need to show good behaviour. Our Community Code of Conduct highlights the importance of treating each other with dignity, regardless of differing viewpoints:
- Safety: Safety is the utmost importance and must not be jeopardized. No one should face situations that put personal security and safety at risk. Violence and harassment are not acceptable behaviour.
- Respect: Show respect for one another. Value the dignity, rights, and the confidentiality of others. Demonstrate respectful behaviour at all work site, buildings, outdoor spaces, facilities, and within the community.
- Responsibility: How we treat each other is everyone’s responsibility. We are all responsible to act in an acceptable manner, so we feel safe and comfortable in all interaction – in-person, written, or verbal.
- Integrity: We adhere to our moral and ethical principles, and we work honestly and fairly with the public and each other.
Public servants, like everyone else, deserve respect. City Administration and Council members serve because we care about our community and want to make it better. Negative remarks not only undermine the work we do but also hinder constructive dialogue and collaboration within our community.
I encourage everyone to discuss our community and its governance in respectful and helpful ways. If you have feedback or require support pertaining to City operations, please use the proper process including online self-reporting, or calling our Customer Support Team at 807-467-2000 instead of on social media. This way, your voice can be heard and addressed properly.
In summary, I urge everyone to prioritize respectful dialogue and constructive engagement. Our community is stronger when we collaborate and support each other, even in disagreement. I encourage you to voice your opinions constructively and to engage with one another in positive ways. Your participation is crucial to our growth and well-being as a community. Thank you for your commitment to making Kenora a better place for all.
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