Grand River improvements to go ahead

Jeff Outhit
RECORD STAFF

August 27, 2008 The Record

WATERLOO REGION

Watershed planners are moving forward with two projects to improve the Grand River, despite failing to secure aboriginal approval.

The Grand River Conservation Authority stalled the river works in 2006 to consult with Six Nations leaders near Brantford, who claim the river as native land.

The agency was hoping for a blessing but got no response. This is after meeting twice with hereditary chiefs, notifying the elected band council and sending letters to elected and hereditary leaders.

"We felt that if they really had a concern, they would have let us know by now," said Alan Dale, chair of the conservation authority.

The watershed agency revived the projects last week, saying it has done its best to consult with aboriginals as required by the Supreme Court of Canada.

"It's important to get this work done," Dale said.

The projects call for the installation of river gauges in Kitchener and Haldimand County in 2008 and 2009. The gauges will monitor water quality and assess flooding, at a cost of $300,000.

The two-year delay highlights uncertainty around what it means to consult with aboriginals on activities affecting land claims.

Dale is not clear on what consultation entails.

"I find it just a little unsettling," he said.

"This is good work. We're doing something to protect the environment."

A report by watershed staff states "the process for consultation and accommodation was evolving" in 2006 and "continues to evolve today."

Calls to Six Nations spokespeople were not returned yesterday.

Several governments are actively pursuing Grand River projects despite the Six Nations ownership claim.

These include new bridges over the Grand in Kitchener and Cambridge, planned by Ontario and Waterloo regional government.