A senior planning official with the City of Hamilton has been placed on administrative leave following allegations that he received payments from a developer while serving in a senior public-sector role in another municipality.
The decision comes after reports surfaced regarding an ongoing investigation by the City of Markham involving former commissioner of development services Arvin Prasad.
According to the allegations, Prasad invoiced more than $140,000 for consulting work to developer Grit Developments between December 2023 and March 2025 while simultaneously overseeing planning matters connected to the same developer during his tenure in Markham.
The complaint alleges that during this period, Prasad endorsed a zoning application that permitted the developer to move forward with an industrial complex on agricultural land containing a designated heritage farmhouse. Markham council later approved the zoning amendment in July 2024.
Through legal counsel, Prasad has denied any wrongdoing and declined further public comment.
Grit Developments has also rejected the allegations, stating that council made its decision independently following the standard municipal review and public consultation process.
In a statement, Hamilton officials confirmed the employee had been placed on administrative leave to allow “fair and equitable processes to unfold,” while emphasizing the city’s commitment to integrity, accountability and ethical conduct in public service.
The city did not confirm whether the leave is paid.
Prasad joined Hamilton in June 2025 as general manager of planning and economic development after serving with Markham since 2018.
The complaint was reportedly filed last August by Toronto businessman Prasana Balachandran, who provided documents to Markham authorities, including invoices allegedly linked to consulting work involving the developer. The authenticity of the documents has not been independently verified.
Balachandran said Hamilton’s move demonstrates the seriousness of the allegations and the need for accountability in municipal governance.
Markham officials have acknowledged concerns surrounding the complaint but have declined to discuss internal investigations or personnel matters publicly.
Public salary disclosures show Prasad earned nearly $250,000 while working for Markham in 2024. Corporate records also indicate he operated a consulting firm alongside his municipal employment, though questions remain about whether consulting services may have involved other developers with projects before council.
The controversy is likely to intensify scrutiny around transparency, ethics and conflict-of-interest rules within municipal planning departments across Ontario, particularly as cities continue to manage major development pressures and housing growth.