Significant progress made in Caledonia dispute

Land purchase clears way for Six Nations-federal-provincial negotiations; addresses concerns of developers

Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs

For Immediate Release
June 16, 2006

[SISIS note: The following statement is provided for reference only. Inclusion of this article on our site should not be considered an endorsement by SISIS.]

TORONTO - The Ontario government has signed an agreement in principle with Henco Industries for the province to purchase the Douglas Creek Estates property in Caledonia. The land will be held in trust until the issues of ownership and use are determined at the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations-Canada-Ontario Main Negotiation Table, David Ramsay, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs announced today.

The purchase agreement responds to the needs and concerns of the developer and supports the Main Table's work to develop recommendations on the Douglas Creek lands. The original development plan will not proceed and the future use of the property will be decided at the main negotiation table with consideration of all affected communities' interests.

"Our goal in purchasing the land is to keep all options open for the future use," said Ramsay. "Taking the issue of development off the table has set the stage for the federal government, Province, and Six Nations to work together to make further progress at the main table negotiations."

Productive discussions are continuing with the builders who had an interest in the property.

The Province also today announced additional funding to help the recovery of local businesses, building on the assistance already given to the business community. An additional $1 million dollars will be provided to Haldimand County for a new business assistance program.

Emergency financial assistance will also be provided to residents directly impacted by the situation in Caledonia and dialogue with community leaders will continue about how to best help those individuals and families. The Province will be looking for advice from the Caledonia Community Liaison Committee at their next meeting, on Monday, June 19th.

"We've said from day one that we're committed to supporting and working with all of those affected by the Caledonia situation - Six Nations, the business community, families and individuals in Caledonia and the municipalities," said Ramsay. "My colleagues Joe Cordiano, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing , MPP Dave Levac and I have listened to the concerns of the communities in Caledonia and we believe that today's announcements will make a difference."

Contacts:

Anne-Marie Flanagan
Press Secretary to Minister Ramsay
(416) 268-3690