JIM KNISLEY
Aug 4, 2006
The Sachem
The impact of the Douglas Creek Estates occupation wove its way into a number of issues at Haldimand county Council's Monday meeting.
Early on Councillor Buck Sloat told council that a major developer who had optioned 1,200 acres in the
Sloat told council that the proposal stalled because of concerns about the occupation and the possibility of future problems.
Meanwhile another developer told council Monday that they have every intention of proceeding with their plans.
The proposal before council asked for a modification in the zoning of the Stirling Woods South subdivision to allow single-family dwellings in addition to townhouses that were already approved.
The proposed zoning change prompted a four-page letter from the elected Six Nations Council. The letter, signed by Chief David General, said: "Six Nations is of the view that the proposed development, existing development and impending growth in these areas will continue to infringe on the Treaty rights of the Six Nations."
The letter also outlines concerns over fishing and hunting rights, impacts on groundwater and the loss of animal habitat.
The letter also points out that Six Nations is currently involved in an "exploration" with the federal and provincial government aimed at ending outstanding land claims and other issues.
"Development of these lands will impact Six Nations interests prior to resolution of claims," the letter said.
It adds that Six Nations "looks forward to resolving the longstanding issue of its claims."
This includes adding more land to the reserve "however the "Six Nations ability to accomplish this will be severely diminished if this development and other developments proceed unchecked to every border of our reserve."
The developers told council they were aware of the letter and Six Nations concerns, but wanted to proceed with the development.
Councillor Lorne Boyko said the letter from the Six Nations is much longer than the normal one-page letter sent to the county and is much more detailed. "I'm a little concerned about just ignoring it. Are we setting the developer up to get into a
He asked if the developer would be willing to sign a document "holding the County safe and harmless" if the development proceeds and meets more forceful opposition.
John Kragten and David VanElslander, said they would have to consult their solicitor concerning council's unusual request.
Kragten also told council that they had to decide what would happen in the county.
"Either developers in
He said there isn't a single trade or developer working in the whole town and this project would get people back to work and show that development isn't dead.
Kragten also told council that the only reason they had to come back before council because the Douglas Creek Estates development didn't go forward. He said the original plans for Stirling Woods called for an all townhouse, lifestyle development. But someone has to provide at least some of the single family homes that were to be built in
Councillor Buck Sloat said county council backs the developers 100 per cent but events of recent months have shown that the county must have a detailed paper trail for every decision.
Boyko said he's certainly not in favour of stifling development in
The developers said they would have to consult with their solicitor before agreeing to any undertaking.
They also questioned whether this was to be a new county policy that would apply from the mouth of the
Kragten said in an interview that Six Nations is obviously aware of the Stirling Woods development, but things have been pretty quiet and the developer wants to keep it that way. He also pointed out that the Stirling Woods development lies within the old borders of