A management consulting firm has been hired to look at the impact of an interim peace agreement proposed to ease tensions over local claims issues.
BMA Consultants has been hired by the Haldimand Tract Good Neighbours Coalition, a group of local businesses and developers. In addition to looking at the proposed agreement, the firm has been asked to look at what would happen to the community if no development takes place.
"We're serious about finding a better way to work together," Brian Porter, of Two Row Architect and a member of the coalition said in a statement released Friday. "BMA is a highly thought of firm that will take an objective look at the facts and help everyone understand the impact of the collision course that we seem to be on."
BMA specializes in municipal finances and infrastructure for municipalities across Ontario. The firm, led by Jim Bruzzese and Catherine Minshall, is regarded as an authority in municipal financial affairs.
"I live in Caledonia and have seen first-hand the impact of the crisis that is ongoing in that community," Bruzzese said in a prepared statement. "The adversarial position in Caledonia has taken an incredible toll in both financial and human terms.
"If our study can help all of the parties involved find a better way to work together then maybe the tragedy of Caledonia can be averted."
The coalition's interim peace solution calls for Brantford to pay a percentage of the municipal portion of taxes to the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations on new development in areas currently under claim. In exchange, the native groups agree that protests that occur on land under claim won't stop work.
In addition, the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations will reimburse monies paid to them under the agreement when land claim settlements are reached.
Steve Charest, of King and Benton, who has been leading the coalition's efforts, says the hiring of BMA is significant and is in response to feedback from people interested in the proposal.
"There is a financial component to the proposal. It's just one component but it hasn't yet been fully identified," Charest said. "BMA will take a look at it, clearly identify what's at stake and will be able to give the coalition, the city and the people of Six Nations a clearer understanding of what can happen and what can be done."
BIA ENDORSES PLAN
Meanwhile, the Downtown Business Improvement Association has endorsed the coalition's objectives and is considering joining the coalition's efforts.
"Issues of sustainability and land claims affect every citizen and every business in Brantford and the Downtown BIA is no exception," BIA president Josh Bean said in a prepared statement.
"The Downtown BIA supports in principle the coalition and is in fact excited about the potential discussions that could take places around the growth of Brantford."
Charest said he's pleased with the response from the BIA and is excited about what he calls a growing momentum in support of what the coalition is trying to accomplish.
"Everyone we talk to realizes the status quo isn't working," Charest said. "The opportunity to find a better way to live and work together as neighbours is something we should embrace. It is certainly not something we should be afraid of."