Embattled eastern Ontario mayor to resign after tumultuous time in office

Mark MacKenzie is stepping down as mayor of the Township of McNab/Braeside after an administration marked by accusations of misconduct both by and against MacKenzie — as well as a series of suspensions both official and unofficial.

His resignation is effective Feb. 28.

MacKenzie made the announcement Tuesday on his personal website, saying the decision to step down was "complicated" and came "after much deliberation and soul-searching." He last appeared at township council in December of last year.

MacKenzie was elected in 2022 to lead the eastern Ontario township of about 7,600 residents, which is located west of Ottawa between Renfrew and Arnprior.

He has accused the municipality on several occasions of poor transparency and financial mismanagement, including a $3.2-million discrepancy in its 2021 financial statements.

In December 2023, McNab/Braeside's council voted to suspend MacKenzie's pay for 60 days in response to a scathing integrity commissioner report, which found he violated the township's code of conduct 25 times over a roughly one-month period that spring.

The behaviour listed in the report included bullying, harassment, intimidation, making threats, misrepresenting township finances, disclosing confidential staff information and overstepping his authority as mayor.

In April 2024, MacKenzie announced a "self-imposed suspension" from the job, saying he was "no longer comfortable being the front face" of the township. He returned to his council duties at the May 21 regular council meeting.

In a statement on the township's website, Deputy Mayor Lori Hoddinott said council and staff are committed to "ensuring a smooth transition that will allow municipal operations to continue effectively."

Hoddinott said to expect an official announcement on Feb. 28 outlining next steps. Per provincial law, the township can either appoint a replacement or hold a by-election for MacKenzie's position.

In an email, Hoddinott said there was "nothing further to add at this time," while MacKenzie said in an email he would not discuss the topic with any media until "at the earliest March 1."

In his resignation letter, MacKenzie called on township residents to "take action" on spending, financial transparency and "other examples of dysfunction" by emailing councillors or participating in public meetings.

He also reiterated claims the public was being misled by the township, and that road maintenance was "being conveniently ignored and passed down the line to the next Council or generation" to prevent a tax increase.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank many supporters who understand what I have tried to do to this point," MacKenzie said. "I am resigning as Mayor but I am not quitting. You'll see…."