A north-central Edmonton community league says it’s in a “precarious financial position” after the loss of nearly $300,000 over a two-year period.

The Inglewood community league is suing its former treasurer, alleging he stole $280,000, court documents obtained by CBC News show.

A statement of claim filed Feb. 19 alleges Chad Ohman, who was “a long-term and trusted volunteer,” stole from the group during a period estimated to be between March 2024 and December 2025.

A statement of defence has not yet been filed. None of the allegations have been tested in court. 

The statement of claim says the league discovered around December that Ohman “had been engaged in” what it alleges was “a long-term and systematic theft of money.”

According to Ohman’s LinkedIn profile, he began his position in September 2022.

The lawsuit doesn’t describe how the money went missing, but the league outlined several scenarios and alleges Ohman was “unjustly enriched” through what it alleges was deceit and theft.

Court documents show the Inglewood community league demanded Ohman produce documents relating to its funds and assets, but he refused to respond.

The league is seeking to recoup the lost funds plus interest, damages and court costs. 

“Members of the volunteer board have been left truly shaken by these events and we appreciate your ongoing support and patience,” a statement on the Inglewood community league website said.

That statement also said the league has hired a forensic auditor and reported the theft to the Edmonton Police Service. EPS has not yet confirmed whether it is investigating the matter.

The statement also announced a new treasurer and an interim president.

The community league had no further comment when contacted by CBC News.

Ohman had previously been interviewed by CBC News for his involvement in fundraising and the social media platform Mastodon. CBC News has not been able to reach him for comment on this story.

The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues said in a statement that upon discovering the financial losses, the Inglewood board immediately took action.

“Despite being in a precarious financial position, the board is actively managing operations to ensure the league remains a vital resource for Inglewood,” the statement said.

“The Inglewood Community League and EFCL are committed to full transparency. Once the forensic audit is finalized and facts are confirmed, a detailed update will be shared with all members and stakeholders.”

Leagues under strain

Keren Tang, city councillor for Ward Karhiio, told CBC News in an interview that the viability of community leagues is something she’s been watching.

She cited the King Edward Park community league’s recent struggle to attract enough people for its board, putting its future at risk.

The amount lost by Inglewood would be consequential for any volunteer-run organization, Tang said. She thinks the league system could use a rethink and some modernization.

“Could there be a stronger vetting process? Absolutely,” she said.

But Tang added that must be balanced with not creating unnecessary bureaucracy for people who are volunteering their time.

“The challenge that we’re seeing now is that with people’s lives being so busy — with kids, work — often at the end of the day, we’re finding less and less people with a ton of time to give.”