However, the Dominus bid team included Fernbrook Homes owned by the Cortellucci family, who were major contributors to the mayor’s gala and golf tournament for years.

“To this day, I still don’t know why Fernbrook is mentioned as part of this project,” Fennell told court, while repeating several times she did not know and had never met with Nick or Mario Cortellucci in any personal or professional capacity.

Inzola’s lawyers produced emails between Fennell, Nick Cortellucci and other employees of Fernbrook Homes, as well as Four Valleys Excavating & Grading — another Cortellucci enterprise.

Inzola also produced a record of Fennell’s office calendar showing a scheduled meeting with Mario Cortellucci in July 2007 “in the mayor’s boardroom.” Yet another email showed her soliciting Nick Cortellucci for a $12,000 donation for the mayor’s gala.

In the face of Inzola’s evidence, Fennell maintained she had no recollection of any meetings or dealings with either of the Cortellucci brothers, or anyone else involved in the Dominus bid during or prior to the City Hall expansion Request For Proposals.

Fennell also distanced herself from direct involvement in the mayor’s golf tournament and gala, claiming she had nothing to do with them beyond lending the mayor's name and serving as a “booster.”

Ultimately, Fennell denied any political corruption involving Inzola, Dominus or Fernbrook, calling the allegations “completely false.”

“It’s devastating to have words written about you that are false,” Fennell told court. “It calls into question my integrity.”

Inzola further claims Fennell, as well as some councillors and senior staff amenable to her political agenda, violated the rules of the controversial “competitive dialogue” RFP process to favour Dominus.

Inzola claims emails entered into evidence between the mayor and some senior staff and councillors, where Fennell refers to her “A-team” or “our team” while discussing the RFP, are proof of a faction led by the mayor who didn’t want Inzola to come out on top.

In response, Fennell testified the “A-Team” was a common term she used and in this case referred to everyone interested in the project.

Witness testimony wrapped up in Orangeville court on Thursday, June 28. Closing arguments are scheduled for September.

None of the allegations has been proven in court.