Update: Mayor Mike Hurley has rescinded the recommendation of William McCarthy as independent advisor to the audit, according to a message sent to Metro Vancouver directors late July 24.
Metro Vancouver’s new chair, Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley, has recommended a prominent local developer be appointed to audit the shockingly overbudget North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Hurley said William McCarthy, a Burnaby resident and real estate professional, is “uniquely qualified to conduct a thoroughly independent high level investigation of why and what transpired,” according to his recommendation going to the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District Board Friday, July 26.
Metro Vancouver revealed in March the North Shore treatment plant would cost $3.86 billion — almost quadruple its 2021 budget of $1.058 billion.
“We need to know and learn from this experience,” Hurley said in the recommendation.
He added he’s known McCarthy, “a lifelong Burnaby resident,” for several years.
“I believe he would be able to assist Metro Vancouver in a way that would be of lasting benefit to our board and those we represent.”
McCarthy’s CV describes him as “one of the most accredited, credentialed and honoured and peer recognized real estate practitioners in the world.”
McCarthy would report directly to the sewerage and drainage board, if approved.
But not everyone was wowed by the candidate.
At a special meeting of Richmond council on Tuesday, July 23, some councillors suggested the independent advisor should be selected through an open request for proposals process, rather than Hurley appointing someone they suggested could be his “friend.”
The district board may disagree with Hurley’s choice and vote for a different direction.
Hurley also recommended the board seek “reputable external legal counsel” to advise the board on the independent audit.
He said it is “critically important” that the scope of the audit be developed with the board’s own litigation counsel on the project (lawsuits are already underway) and noted he wants the scope presented before the board for approval “as soon as possible.”
Costs of the independent audit will include the advisor’s and external counsel’s professional fees and necessary disbursements.
Hurley said the total cost is not known at this time.
Hurley was elected chair of Metro Vancouver last last month.
Board members will vote on the recommendations Friday.
