Haldimand Council is denouncing the weekend disturbance over a native smoke shop that injured two people, lead to one arrest and saw dozens of angry natives and townsfolk face off across barricades and OPP officers.
Chief administrative officer Don Boyle says the row over the shop, at the south end of Argyle Street South, hurt Caledonia's economy and reputation.
"Haldimand County Council stands united in denouncing the actions of any individuals involved in the disturbance Saturday," Boyle said in a statement.
"These random actions by a few individuals negatively impact the day-to-day lives of residents, local businesses and the ongoing land claim negotiation process while the social and economic impact on the community can never be undone."
About 100 protesters gathered at the shop, which is about a kilometre from Douglas Creek Estates. Natives have occupied the subdivision since February 2006 over a land claim. During the protest, two men, including controversial activist Gary McHale, were injured in scuffles and a 36-year-old Caledonia man was charged with obstructing police.
Boyle said the county will continue to pressure Ottawa and Queen's Park to remove the smoke shop during the negotiations set up to resolve the now 22-month-old occupation of the subdivision. Natives say the shop is on land that is part of their claim there.
"To achieve lasting resolution and agreement on these things, it needs to be done through negotiation," Boyle said in an interview.
Asked what he'd say to the protesters, who might stage another protest Saturday, Boyle reiterated, "Doing the one-day protest has a negative impact on the local economy and on the day-to-day life of residents of Caledonia."
Meanwhile, McHale and others held a press conference at Queen's Park in which they denounced the OPP for not shutting down the shop. McHale also was upset no one has been arrested for assaulting him.