Former Winnipeg CAO Denies Fictitious Land Deal Allegations in Police Headquarters Inquiry
Phil Sheegl, the former chief administrative officer of Winnipeg, took the stand on Tuesday at the ongoing inquiry into the construction of the Winnipeg Police Headquarters. Sheegl firmly denied accusations of involvement in a fictitious land deal related to the controversial project.
Testimony Highlights
During his testimony, Sheegl addressed specific allegations that have surfaced during the investigation. "I categorically deny any participation in or knowledge of a fictitious land deal," Sheegl stated to the inquiry panel. His appearance marks a significant moment in the proceedings, as he was a key figure overseeing municipal operations during the headquarters' development.
The inquiry, which has been examining various aspects of the police headquarters construction, has focused on:
- Financial irregularities and cost overruns
- Allegations of improper land transactions
- Governance and oversight failures
- Contracting and procurement processes
Background of the Investigation
The Winnipeg Police Headquarters project has been under scrutiny for years due to its ballooning costs and management controversies. Originally budgeted at approximately $135 million, the final cost escalated to over $210 million, prompting public outrage and multiple investigations.
Sheegl served as Winnipeg's CAO from 2011 to 2013, a period that overlapped with critical phases of the headquarters project. His testimony comes as the inquiry seeks to unravel the decision-making processes and accountability structures that contributed to the project's problems.
Inquiry's Broader Context
The police headquarters inquiry represents one of the most comprehensive examinations of municipal governance in Winnipeg's recent history. Investigators have been methodically reviewing:
- Documentation related to land acquisitions
- Communication records between city officials and contractors
- Financial transactions and approval processes
- Testimony from multiple witnesses across different departments
The inquiry continues to hear from various witnesses as it works toward completing its final report, expected to provide recommendations for improving municipal project management and transparency.
