Ontario Provincial Police say they’ve found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing following an investigation into the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

The investigation was launched in November 2016 when Niagara Regional Police requested that Ontario Provincial Police investigate the NPCA following the release of a document entitled “A Call For Accountability At The NPCA” by Niagara resident Ed Smith.

The report resulted in a failed NPCA lawsuit against Ed Smith. The NPCA was ordered to pay Smith’s legal fees.

The NPCA is taxpayer funded organization and in total, the lawsuit cost Niagara taxpayers more than $270,000.

Police have now concluded their involvement in the matter.

“I would like to personally thank the investigative teams involved for their thorough investigation and attention to bringing this matter to a conclusion.” said NRPS Chief Bryan MacCulloch.