A breakdown in relations between Medicine Hat's mayor, some councillors and a top administrator created an "untenable working environment" that distracted the city from the business of governing, its council heard Monday night.

A 207-page municipal report delivered by provincially-appointed inspector Ian McCormack revealed a city hall "managed in an irregular, improper and improvident manner" over the last two years.

McCormack described a dysfunctional relationship between those on council and between elected representatives and senior staff, along with a lack of adherence to proper procedure.

"The governance function of the city is ineffective and is characterized by rancour, suspicion, and accusations," he wrote, pointing out a "hostile environment" that impacts the city's ability to

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