DeGagne Trial Over!

In a matter that dates back to February of 2013 -- BC Supreme Court Madam Justice Dardi released her decision in the court case of DeGagne v. City of Williams Lake - read her decision here

She ultimately ruled that the City of Williams Lake treated Mr. DeGagne "shabbily" and stated the City must pay him $65,250 which consists of six months' severance plus 6 months of loss of his pension and other benefits, $643 in moving costs plus one-third of his legal costs

The local media cover the story here (Tribune) and here (Goat/Cariboo Country)

For its' part - the City of Williams Lake stated:

The City of Williams Lake has received the decision by the Honourable Madam Justice Dardi, who has ruled against awarding special or punitive damages to Don DeGagne.

Mr. DeGagne had filed a notice of civil claim in BC Supreme Court in May of 2013, after his employment was terminated by the Council of the day. Madam Justice Dardi awarded Mr. DeGagne damages equivalent to six months’ notice, calculated as $65,250, damages for loss of pension and other benefits for six months, relocation costs of $643, and one-third of his legal costs. The total amount owing to Mr. DeGagne is estimated at approximately $90,000, plus what has already been spent in legal costs, for a total of about $200,000.

The court rejected Mr. DeGagne’s assertions of breaches of the Community Charter, defamation, and malice, and rejected claims for aggravated, punitive, and special damages, and special costs.

“We have formally received the decision, and we’re glad we can now move on,” says Mayor Walt Cobb. “Out of caution, we had budgeted for a ruling against the City, and we are glad the costs owing are minimal. We’re happy this case is now behind us, and we can focus on the business of governing and growing the City.”

Mr. DeGagne’s employment as the Chief Administrative Officer was terminated on Feb. 27, 2013.

From my own perspective - the City received a very favourable ruling from the BC Supreme Court considering what the City could have been on the hook for and I agree with Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb - it is time to move on.  There is no official word if Mr. DeGagne plans to appeal this decision to the BC Court of Appeal.  He has 30 days to do so

~SF