The District of Lantzville hired a new financial auditor. (NEWS BULLETIN file)

The District of Lantzville hired a new financial auditor. (NEWS BULLETIN file)

Lantzville makes a change with its financial auditing firm

Lantzville councillors approved hiring Grant Thornton LLP as the new external financial auditor

The District of Lantzville has a new financial auditor.

Lantzville councillors approved hiring Toronto-based Grant Thornton LLP as the new external financial auditor for the district for the next three years.

Grant Thornton will take over the role of auditor from KPMG, who was the district’s auditor for years. In March, councillors questioned KPMG about failing to identify an accounting issue made by district staff over a 13-year period.

Grant Thornton is based in Toronto with offices across Canada including one in Nanaimo.

Mayor Colin Haime said hiring Grant Thornton LPP is a wise decision.

“I think they will be a good choice. They are also located in smaller communities as well so there is a greater understanding of the going-ons of a smaller community,” he said.

The district will pay $16,750 in 2016, $17,250 in 2018 and $17,750 in 2019 to have Grant Thornton conduct financial audits.

Nanaimo News Bulletin