Steve Serviss
Kingston Whig-Standard
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 - 00:00
Local News - A judge has ordered a group of Algonquins blocking access to a proposed uranium mine north of Sharbot Lake to leave the property immediately.
The order is directed at members of the Algonquin and Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nations, who have been stationed at the entrance to the site near Clarendon Station, about 60 kilometres north of Kingston, that is being prospected for uranium.
Justice Gordon Thomson issued a written interim injunction yesterday ordering the protesters to leave the property and allow the company, Frontenac Ventures Corporation, on the land.
"Frontenac shall have immediate, unfettered and unobstructed access to the subject property including the field office, access road and all of the identified exploration property and the Clarendon site," Justice Thomson wrote.
The company is also allowed to have an archeologist visit the site to "determine aboriginal burial sites" and other items of significance.
The judge's order also instructs the police to arrest anyone who contravenes the order, however, the police are also instructed to use their discretion.
The First Nations group says the land is theirs, citing a government agreement and have remained at the site since the end of June.
The lawyer for the Ardoch Algonquins said his clients are "not going to leave.
"We have taken the position that it doesn't matter what is issued, this will be solved through negotiations," said Christopher Reid.
He vows the Ardoch Algonquins will remain peaceful. He also said that other supporters would respond if the Algonquins were attacked. "If there is any type of attack [on Ardoch], there could be violence," said Reid. He said that hundreds of supporters are prepared to show up at the site on short notice.
The company's lawyer, Neal Smitheman, could not be reached for comment.
Reid maintains the issue over land claims is really a provincial issue, and not one with Frontenac Ventures, and yet there has been no response from the premier or province.
The interim injunction stands until a full hearing can be heard, which includes a $77-million lawsuit and injunction against the Algonquins, beginning Sept. 20.