On Wednesday afternoon, about 90 minutes after The Lake Report’s website published an extensive story detailing the cash exchange between developer Benny Marotta and Coun. Gary Burroughs, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake issued a brief statement about the affair.

The statement contains no details, names or specific information and is obliquely signed by “the corporation of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.”

News advisories from the town are usually signed by a member of the communications department.

This is the text of the town’s statement:

“On March 20, Niagara-on-the-Lake town council was informed of a matter involving a third party’s interaction with a member of council that warranted investigation.

Town council directed the chief administrative officer (CAO) to bring the matter to the attention of the integrity commissioner and to notify police. Both steps were taken immediately.

The work of the integrity commissioner and the police are important investigative processes that need to be carried out in a professional and confidential manner.

The town will respect the investigative processes, assisting and supporting any reviews and investigations to the best of its ability.”