I am in agreement with developers paying the fees to the native group. The city could eliminate its permit fee portion as it will easily recoup monies in the long term through property taxes, etc.
After all, if developer has thousands to invest in building and has prior knowledge about land claims issues, then to have peace of mind, the developer should concede on this issue. The money requested is miniscule in overall costs to erect buildings.
As for the money natives receive from the federal government, it also is miniscule when you take into account the big picture of where all money is doled out.
As a taxpayer, I don't mind if a small portion of taxes goes to help the needy in society, be they seniors who get old-age pensions or tax credits for children or general welfare.
I feel that the natives are not being given money for nothing, but are being reimbursed for past agreements with government, concerning land surrenders, squatters' rights, and mineral rights to mention a few.
Our government has to be made to realize that when it takes, then there is an obligation to give back. All societies must live in harmony, and give and take is a part of it.
I feel that more people need to research history before making an assessment based on partial or no knowledge of past events.
Elizabeth LeBlanc Brantford