The provincial ombudsman’s office has received three complaints about recent closed-door meetings at city hall, CTV News has learned.

While what council said behind the closed door is confidential, concerns have been raised that the discussion may have violated the Municipal Act.

“We have received three complaints about Strategic Priorities and Policy committee meetings on January 31 and February 7,” ombudsman staff confirmed.

The meetings were part of city budget deliberations.

 Under the Municipal Act, councillors can only go behind closed doors for a small number of specific reasons. 

“I don't think anything crossed the line. It may have gotten close, but not across in any way,” says Coun. Bud Polhill.

But Coun. Stephen Orser walked out of the Feb. 7 meeting. He's barred from explaining what triggered his decisions, but did say he was uncomfortable with what he was hearing.

“I felt uncomfortable of the things I was hearing. I’m not placing blame on anyone, but for myself, I didn't want to stay in the meeting.”

The meeting minutes are sparse. Council went behind closed doors three times on the days in question.

Subjects included changes to city staffing, the police budget, buying new industrial land and to receive legal advice.

“It was all above board,” says Coun. Joe Swan. It is a false claim that any wrongdoing has occurred.

Coun. Denise Brown says legal staff were present, as well as the city clerk.

“If anyone gets sidetracked or off topic, we are stopped immediately. There are no concerns whatsoever for me on this."

Added Polhill: “It got close a couple times, but was pulled back in by Mr. (Jim) Barber, our legal advisor.

In the room for the meetings were senior city managers, the mayor and council, although councillors Paul Henderson, Sandy White and Orser were at times absent.

Polhill says the person who appealed to the ombudsman released confidential information, which is also against the Ombudsman Act.

On three previous occasions this council term, complaints have led to investigations.. with varying results.

A meeting prior to the eviction of Occupy London from Victoria Park was ruled legal. 

A pre-budget lunch at Harmony Grand Buffet was called "unsavoury" but OK.

And last year, a lunch at Billy T's was deemed a "clear violation of the law.”

Whether the latest complaints warrant an investigation is up to the ombudsman.

Currently they "are under review as we obtain the basic facts about the meetings and determine whether or not an investigation is warranted,” the ombudsman’s office says.

The city clerk is now  gathering information requested by the ombudsman’s office.