North Bay mayor under fire for using city credit card for personal expenses

North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico has come in for criticism after his expense reports were scrutinised. A new expense policy is now being formulated.

North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico is under fire after the city’s standard financial oversight processes flagged his use of a corporate credit card for a number of personal expenses.

According to reports, about $16,000 in personal expenses were charged to his corporate card.

In a statement to CTV News on Friday, Chirico confirmed that in 2023 and 2024, a number of expenses charged to his corporate credit card were flagged and reviewed and that all expenses were submitted through “appropriate channels.”

Chirico said expenses that were deemed personal, including some that fell into a “grey area,” were fully repaid.

He said he acknowledges that he should have been more “careful and deliberate” in keeping personal and business expenses separate and takes full responsibility.

Closed-door meeting

There was a closed-door meeting about the issue in which three city councillors – including Tanya Vrebosch -- boycotted.

She argued more information was needed before discussing the issue and has filed a complaint to the Ontario ombudsman.

“At some point, the administration has to take accountability for what happened,” Vrebosch said.

“It went on for a year and a half to two years. This could have been stopped within a few months. Council was not made aware. You know, the mayor’s not the only staff member to the CEO. We should have all been made aware.”

Council voted to direct the city’s CAO to prepare a new travel and expenses policy. Chirico said he supports that idea.