A local council member in Dryden, Ontario, who was instructed by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to pay the city $17,000, has affirmed his intention to run in the upcoming municipal election.
The City of Dryden disclosed that it had received multiple complaints regarding Councilor Ritch Noel in late December 2024 and early January 2025. Subsequently, an external investigation was conducted, revealing that Noel had engaged in bullying and harassment towards city staff.
In response, the city mandated that Noel refrain from attending council meetings or city events in person until he completed a workplace civility training program. Noel contested this decision by filing a Divisional Court application for a judicial review, alleging that the city had overstepped its authority, unreasonably relied on the investigator’s findings, denied him fair procedures, and infringed on his constitutional rights.
The case was heard via video conference on June 16 and was officially dismissed on Monday. Justice Karen Jensen, in her ruling, stated that the council had the authority to enforce the corrective measures, ensuring procedural fairness for Noel. She affirmed that the council’s reliance on the investigator’s conclusions was reasonable and that the temporary attendance restriction was a balanced approach between Noel’s expressive rights and the city’s responsibilities.
Dryden, situated approximately 350 kilometers northwest of Thunder Bay, is home to around 7,400 residents. Noel, a paralegal by profession, has been under scrutiny by the city’s integrity commissioner, with eight investigations initiated since his initial election in 2022. He was found guilty in two instances:
1. On July 24, 2025, for breaching the Code of Conduct due to a Facebook comment concerning a deceased member of Eagle Lake First Nation.
2. On May 13, 2026, for violating the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act by discussing a matter in which he had a financial interest.
When contacted for his response to the court ruling and confirmation of his election candidacy, Noel affirmed his continued participation in the election, emphasizing his commitment to worker safety and security.
His legal representative, Robert Sinding, based in Emo, Ontario, provided a detailed response on Noel’s behalf. Sinding conveyed Noel’s intent to appeal the decision, refuting the allegations of harassment as politically motivated. He asserted that Noel would persist in advocating for accountability from senior staff and representing the interests of Dryden taxpayers.
Mr. Noel, according to Sinding, remains resolute in his leadership approach, promising to engage constructively yet assertively, even if it means dissenting with council and senior staff for the public good.