A councillor said Tuesday the city may ask for a police investigation into renovations at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, after a damning report by Toronto’s auditor revealed that most contracts for the work were not awarded through an open process.
The 83-page report published by auditor general Jeffrey Griffiths in late April, found that nearly $23 million in construction contracts were awarded without proper oversight, competition or documentation.
The renovation project was supposed to cost $28, but has so far cost around $40 million. It’s estimated that another 4$ million is needed to complete the work.
Ward 28 Toronto-Centre Rosedale Counc. Pam McConnell on Tuesday blamed Sony’s former CEO Dan Barimbilla, and said the board responsible for overseeing the project did not ensure that expenditures met city requirements.
The report will go before the city’s audit committee on May 28, who can refer the matter to police if “they think it’s serious enough,” McConnell said.
Watch the video above for more from the CBC’s Jamie Strashin.