"Fence in Works After Residents Dump Garbage at Kanonhstaton"

Measures to stop the encroachment of Kanonhstaton lands by Caledonia residents living next to the former DCE (Douglas Creek Estates) site have been taken.

HDI director Hazel Hill is ready to approach Confederacy Chiefs in May about constructing a fence along the northeastern edge of the reclaimed lands after over a year of nearby residents using the lands as a dump site.

Last week Hill attended the lands to find a sofa, piles of burned trash, and litter strewn across the property. Some were even extending their backyards onto the land and building gardens.

"We spoke with the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs about it," she said. "They want to be involved in it." She said the Ministry will be sending notices out to residences. "They did advise me they were sending notification out to residents. We spoke with Randy Reid of Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs on Thursday."

The Haudenosaunee Development Institute is preparing reports for Confederacy Chiefs with quotes for a fence.

Hill said projected costs range from $25,000 to $45,000 depending on what type of fence.

"Either a wood fence, or another heavy duty chain link fence, like what goes around parks and cemeteries."

Meanwhile, restoration work done by Kayanase, a Six Nations greenhouse, will continue. Last year thousands of trees were planted along the western edge of the lands, adjacent to Six Nations.

Hill said cedar pines could go up along the entrance to Kanonhstaton.

"(MMA) had advised us at our meeting with them, they were supportive of making sure the property, making sure that it's cleaned up and maintained, and protected," said Hill. "And they advised that they wanted to work with the Haudenosaunee ensuring that it happens."