Two days before a contentious vote on the future of light rail transit — one of the most divisive issues in Brampton — six city councillors who would later vote as a bloc against the mayor and her allies met at a new downtown bar.

Now, concerns are swirling that the meeting might have violated provincial rules that prevent councils from discussing city business away from the public. Even if social in nature, such a meeting could constitute a violation of rules for municipal councils to guarantee political decisions aren't made secretly, free from public scrutiny.

"I can't confirm what the councillors were talking about, but I was surprised to see them together," said regional Coun. Martin Medeiros of a gathering between councillors at a downtown bar following a Feb. 13 planning committee.

"These councillors seem to consistently vote together on issues. It concerned me that they were meeting in private ahead of a vote on the LRT."

Two days later, the same bloc of councillors voted to spend $4.4 million on alternate route studies for the contentious Hurontario LRT.

Robert Swayze, who will be replaced as the city’s integrity commissioner March 31, told The Guardian that it is reasonable to expect members of council to socialize outside of work. However, Swayze warned elected officials should be "vigilant and careful” when they get together outside of council.

“If you have a quorum of council present, and you start talking about an issue council can deal with, that can be a problem,” said Swayze, adding that at times, “you have to cut councillors some slack when they get together and have a drink.”

The Ontario Ombudsman said a complaint has not been received, although multiple sources said a formal grievance in relation to that Feb. 13 gathering has been filed. Complaints about closed meetings in Brampton are handled by firm LAS/Amberley Gavel.

“We did not discuss LRT or any other city business. There was a ‎lot of conversation about sports — specifically the healthy rivalry about who supported the Habs versus the Leafs,” responded regional Coun. Elaine Moore.

Moore and seven other councillors (Grant Gibson, Jeff Bowman, Doug Whillans, Michael Palleschi, Medeiros, Pat Fortini and Gael Miles) confirmed they were at Wendel Clark's Classic Grill and Bar after planning committee.