Ontario's top cop calls for end to blockades in Caledonia, Ont.

Mon Sep 1, 6:42 PM

By The Canadian Press

CALEDONIA, Ont, - Labour Day was a day of blockades in this divided southern Ontario community as aboriginals and residents both brought traffic to a halt.

The aboriginal protest began Monday morning - reports said in response to the arrest of a number of Six Nations youth in Brantford, Ont.

That blockade was taken down within a few hours, provincial police said.

However, residents of Caledonia began their own protest on a main street in the town, leading provincial police Commissioner Julian Fantino to call for them to re-open the road.

"We are now in dialogue with a group of local citizens protesting on Argyle Street in Caledonia," Fantino said in a release. "I am calling on all persons to act in a respectful manner and to build upon the relationships that have been developed within the communities."

A national news agency reported that the residents ended their protest by early evening.

Fantino stressed that the blockades were unlawful.

"Our priority is to preserve the peace and maintain order, not to resolve land claims issues," he added.

Tensions between Six Nations and Caledonia residents have been high since aboriginal protesters occupied a housing development.

The occupation of Douglas Creek Estates more than two years ago has sparked several blockades and led to arrests of both aboriginal and resident protesters.