Kincardine done with Eastlink over sale of Bruce Telecom

Kincardine council has decided to suspend any further engagement with Bragg Communications (Eastlink) over the sale of Bruce Telecom.

Council discussed the matter in closed session last night (April 29), and agreed unanimously, by a recorded vote, to no longer pursue the deal which was announced in January, 2014, and then quashed by the Competition Bureau in August, 2014. The purpose of the closed-door meeting was to consider advice that was subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications surrounding the sale of Bruce Telecom.

Following the closed session, mayor Anne Eadie said council had a "fulsome" discussion and there were a lot of questions. But when the vote was taken, eight of nine councillors approved of the resolution, with councillor Mike Leggett absent.

Eadie said council will now implement the arbitration protocol in Article 16 of the Asset Purchase Agreement, which is a process of negotiation to end the deal with Bragg Communications.

And further, council will work with the Bruce Telecom board in the advancement of Bruce Telecom.

"I believe council followed due diligence," said Eadie. "I had hoped for a decision sooner, but I respect the new council's desire for more information on the process, and to look at further options with the Competition Bureau and Bragg Communications. Personally, I'm relieved that it's finally resolved."