Ontario Court Upholds Sanctions Against Councillor in Legal Win for the City of Pickering

Pickering, ON, January 23, 2026 – Today, the Superior Court of Justice - Ontario Divisional Court once again ruled in favour of the City of Pickering, confirming the sanctions imposed on Councillor Lisa Robinson. This marks the third judicial review initiated by the Councillor, requiring the City to defend the Integrity Commissioner’s findings and its own Council decision(s) on three separate occasions.

In its latest ruling, the Court found no breach of procedural fairness, determined that the Integrity Commissioner’s factual findings were reasonable - including the findings that Councillor Robinson made false claims about the City and deliberately misrepresented City policy, and concluded that the City’s obligation to protect staff dignity and maintain public trust outweighed any limit on the Councillor’s Charter rights.

As a result of Councillor Robinson’s decision to pursue yet another judicial review, the Divisional Court has ordered her to reimburse the City of Pickering $10,000 in legal costs. While the City views this decision as a significant legal victory that fully affirms its actions and approach, the reimbursement covers only a portion of the expenses incurred, and the City remains responsible for well over a hundred thousand dollars in legal costs stemming from the Councillor’s repeated legal challenges.

“While I am pleased with this legal victory, which serves as a complete and thorough vindication of the City, Members of Council, and our staff, I sincerely hope we can now move forward with the business of the City,” said Kevin Ashe, Mayor of Pickering. “Moving ahead constructively is in everyone’s best interest. Our community deserves our full focus on the important work before us, and that is where we intend to direct our collective efforts.”

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As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 118,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. An award-winning municipality, Pickering is slated for significant economic and residential growth; offering an unparalleled quality of life for those who live, work, and play here. Its dynamic City Centre has been designated by the Province of Ontario as both an Urban Growth Centre and Mobility Hub, and continues to evolve as a preferred destination for creative learning, memorable events, and unique experiences at the heart of a vibrant, connected, and engaged community.

Media Contact:

Mark Guinto
Division Head, Public Affairs & Corporate Communications
Office of the CAO
905.420.4660 ext. 2013
mguinto@pickering.ca pickering.ca