The Ontario Provincial Police will not lay criminal charges against North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico following an investigation into an expense scandal [1].
The decision concludes a months-long legal inquiry into the mayor's financial conduct, marking a pivotal moment for the city's leadership and public trust in municipal governance.
An OPP spokesperson said that after a "thorough" investigation, the agency would not be charging Chirico with a criminal offence [1]. The investigation lasted nine months [3]. While the police found insufficient evidence to support criminal charges, the probe followed an integrity report that identified $5,500 in improper personal spending [2].
The announcement that no charges would be filed was made on April 29, 2026 [1]. The integrity probe report specifically detailed the $5,500 in spending that was deemed improper [2].
Local reactions to the outcome have been mixed. One community activist said that North Bay will remember Peter Chirico as not a good mayor and expressed hope that he is never reelected [2].
The investigation focused on whether the improper spending constituted a criminal act or a breach of administrative policy. Despite the findings of the integrity probe, the OPP determined the evidence did not meet the threshold for criminal prosecution [1].
“The integrity probe found $5,500 in improper personal spending.”
The distinction between the integrity probe's findings and the OPP's decision highlights the gap between administrative misconduct and criminal liability. While the mayor avoided legal prosecution, the documented improper spending of $5,500 remains a matter of public record, likely shifting the conflict from a legal battle to a political one regarding his future electability.
