Following a Toronto Star Story that also appeared in the Hamilton Spectator, Arvin Prasad, the city’s General Manager of Planning and Economic Development is now on administrative leave.
The Star story alleged that Prasad was operating a consulting business while employed as Commissioner of planning services at his previous post in in Markham and he was collecting consulting fees from a developer who had a zoning matter before council. The Star story reports, Prasad “invoiced more than $140,000 for consulting work to Grit Developments between December 2023 and March 2025. During that time, Prasad endorsed a zoning request to allow the same developer to build an industrial complex on agricultural land that includes a historic farmhouse that has been designated a heritage building.” Through a lawyer, Prasad denied any impropriety when approached by the Star.
The city of Markham is investigating the allegations which were made by Prasana Balachandran, who has also provided the city with nine invoices allegedly between Prasad and the developer. The Star was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the invoices.
The Bay Observer approached city Manager Marnie Cluckie for comment and received a statement from the city reading in part, “The City of Hamilton is aware of the allegations involving a City employee related to matters that reportedly predate their employment with the City of Hamilton. The City takes allegations of this nature seriously. We are committed to maintaining a workplace grounded in integrity, accountability and ethical conduct, consistent with the expectations and responsibilities of public service. While the City cannot comment on individual personnel matters, we can confirm that the employee has been placed on administrative leave to allow the appropriate time for fair and equitable processes to unfold and to support all parties involved.”