POWASSAN – Coun. Nancy Barner has enlisted the help of the OPP.
“It’s creepy to me,” said Barner. “He (Arnold Keown) was having me followed.”
On Wednesday, Sept. 12, Barner contacted police to report her belief she was being stalked on behalf of the disgruntled developer, who has been vocal in his distaste for the councilor.
According to Barner, she saw the same people outside of her home for hours. She said some of the incidents took place in the week prior to her calling police.
The allegations come in the wake of more than a year of disagreements between the two parties regarding Keown’s potential development of an eight-unit rental complex, which Barner is opposed to.
Keown confirmed he received a visit from police the evening of Sept. 12, but denies any involvement or wrongdoing.
“As I told the cop, I don’t care where she is. The further from Powassan the better,” said Keown. “She’s just imagining things.”
Barner said she was told by Municipal staff that Keown had said he was having her followed while he made a visit to the municipal office recently.
Keown said that never happened.
“I bet lots of people are following her because they are wondering where she is living,” said Keown, who says Barner is rumoured to have moved outside of the municipality making her ineligible to continue her role as a councilor.
Barner said, despite selling her home, she still lives in Trout Creek.
“It’s just more of his intimidation tactics. However, I’m not intimidated because I have done nothing wrong,” said Barner.
When asked if she is concerned for her safety, Barner said she hopes those who are tailing her are merely an annoyance and not a physical threat.
“I think he (Keown) will stop at nothing,” said Barner. “At least he’s aware that the police are aware and that there’s a report on file.”