Former City of Windsor engineer files lawsuit alleging 'culture of corruption' at city hall

The man who was once the City of Windsor's chief engineer has filed a lawsuit loaded with allegations of impropriety involving the mayor and city administration.

Chris Nepszy, who was relieved from his position in November 2023, is suing the city for wrongful dismissal.

"It is clear on its face that this termination was an act of reprisal in response to Mr. Nepszy's refusal to willingly participate in … improper conduct," says a statement of claim filed in Toronto superior court.

The suit's many allegations have not been proven in court. Mayor Drew Dilkens, in a stated, has denied what he calls "spurious allegations" and says the city will defend itself.

News of the legal action was first reported by the Windsor Star.

The statement of claim describes Nepszy observing a "top-down culture of corruption" at Windsor's city hall.

According to the suit, Nepszy regularly faced demands from MDilkens, senior administrators, and certain councillors that would have required Nepszy be party to "acts of impropriety" — including what he says is misuse of public funds for "political or personal gain."

The suit describes Nepszy being told by former CAO Onorio Colucci to "focus on appeasing the mayor and the mayor's supporters." Colucci allegedly called this "the Windsor way."

Another allegation is that Dilkens instructed Nepszy not to proceed with scheduled infrastructure projects in the west-end ward of Coun. Fabio Costante — out of the mayor's "spite" for Costante.

In contrast, the suit alleges that Nepszy was forced to approve an unscheduled road rehabilitation project in the ward of Coun. Ed Sleiman — who the suit calls "a longtime supporter of the mayor." Sleiman represents a central Windsor ward between Walker Road and Pillette.

The suit further alleges that Nepszy was "coerced" into covering up the costs of the controversial Legacy Beacon-Streetcar Project, and delay reports "for the mayor's political advantage."

"Almost every meeting, formal and informal, that Mr. Nepszy had with the CAO commenced with the CAO asking whether he was keeping the mayor happy," the suit states.

Asked for comment on Monday, Dilkens shared a short statement: "The city denies all of the spurious allegations and will defend itself accordingly."

In November 2023, Dilkens used his newly obtained "strong mayor" powers to fire Nepszy, along with the city's solicitor Shelby Askin Hager.

At the time, Dilkens described the move as a "realignment" of the city's organizational structure, to ensure "more effective decision-making."

Howard Levitt, senior partner of the Toronto-based law firm that Nepszy has retained for the suit, said there were no issues with his client's job performance.

Levitt pointed out that Nepszy was actively recruited by the City of Windsor in 2021 — "lured away" from his stable position as CAO of the Town of Essex, where Nepszy had been employed for 14 years.

Levitt denied any deliberate political factor in his client's suit.

"Believe me, the last thing he wanted to do was issue a claim," Levitt said.

"He certainly did not do it to help the mayor's enemies. He did it in order that he would be financially secure — because he cannot be financially secure on the offer they made for him. And who knows how long it will take him to be re-employed."

Nepszy is seeking $1 million in damages, plus a remuneration package commensurate to his role as commissioner of infrastructure services and city engineer.

As of Monday, the City of Windsor has yet to file a statement of defence.