Last Updated: Monday, March 19, 2007 | 3:04 PM ET
CBC News
The Ontario government is offering compensation to homeowners directly affected by the year-long land dispute at a former housing development in Caledonia.
About 135 homeowners will be compensated for up to $6,000, depending on their proximity to the disputed site, for a total of around $340,000, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced Monday.
Minister John Gerretsen said the government is hopeful for a resolution to the dispute, but wants to help residents in the meantime.
Owners of the 20 homes closest to the disputed site will receive $6,000 each, while about 80 homeowners in the immediate area will get $3,000 each and another 35 homeowners across the street from the occupation will receive $2,000 each.
The McGuinty government has provided close to $1.4 million in financial assistance to businesses that suffered during road blockades.
The 40-hectare former housing development southwest of Hamilton has been occupied since Feb. 28, 2006, by native protesters who claim the property belongs to them.