After some high-profile shenanigans by Vancouver city councillors flouting open meeting rules, B.C. Ombudsperson Jay Chalke says the province needs more tools to make sure local governments are doing what they're supposed to.

"If the council can simply disregard the work of an integrity commissioner, or jurisdictions don't even have an integrity commissioner, then it's really important that there be a mechanism," he said.

Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Christine Boyle indicated she is open to the creation of a mandatory code of conduct that local government officials must abide by, but is waiting to have that discussion at the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) meetings in Victoria later this month.

Boyle said she has spoken with local governments and UBCM leaders, who a

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