"Band Council clears McClung development"

HALDIMAND - So what was Kanonhstaton all about then? That is the question many who defended land at the former Douglas Creek Estates project are asking after the Elected Band Council signed an agreement with McClung Properties giving them clearance to build a 530 acre housing development on the other end of Argyle Street in Caledonia.

In a media release issued by the Elected Council it states that an agreement has been reached between Six Nations Elected Council and McClung Properties Ltd. regarding the project.

Free passage was granted to McClung Properties to develop upon the land still under federal land claim in exchange for 200 acres of replacement land to be transferred to Six Nations and put under reserve status. No specific lands were selected at this time. There was also a promise to set aside 180 acres within the development area for environmental and park lands, and protect any environmental and cultural heritage features within the project site. The usual "employment opportunities" clause also appears.

Band Council also states it will continue to pursue settlement on the land claim while construction is allowed to continue, unimpeded. However, nothing has moved in these land claim files for two decades or more.

The HDI has washed its hands of the matter as well despite an earlier letter to McClung, which stated, in part, "The chiefs council is unanimously opposed to the said proposal...and shall remain opposed until our rights issues and concerns are addressed respectfully."

However, after members of the Six Nations community were served with an injunction ordering them not to impede the development in any way, the HDI would not back a challenge to the injunction.

A letter from Mcclung Properties Ltd. lawyer Paul Demelo to HDI lawyer Aaron Detlor, refers to emails containing confirmation that HDI will not be participating in the injunction proceedings and as such will not be filing any materials."

It is not known why the abrupt reversal of the HCCC's earlier clear and committed opposition, giving them leave to build on land not much different from the situation 10 years ago at the other end of Caledonia.

Representatives from Six Nations and Mcclung will be on hand to share with the Six Nations Community the project work completed and the benefit agreement. The project details and benefits will be made available to the community at three community information sessions. In addition, you may also comment on www.snfutures.com.

Session 1: Thursday, May 12, 2016 at Community Hall Sports Den

Session 2: Thursday, May 19, 2016 at Tourism Assembly Room

Session 3: Thursday, May 26, 2016 at Community Hall Sports Den

All sessions will start at 4:00 p.m. and end at 7:00 p.m.