The Council for the Town of South Bruce Peninsula has voted unanimously to issue a notice of appeal following the recent decision of the Superior Court of Justice that found the Federal Government breached the Honour of the Crown in its implementation of Treaty 72.
The Court found that land sold by the Crown, which includes a portion of Sauble Beach owned by the Town and various private landowners, should have been included within the boundaries of Saugeen Indian Reserve No. 29 during a survey conducted in 1855. Despite the Crown conveying lawful title and issuing valid Crown patents over one century ago, the Court declared that this land now forms part of Saugeen’s Reserve.
The decision raises important and unexpected questions, including the actual location of Reserve No. 29’s east boundary, which is not defined in the Court’s reasons. These unresolved questions have serious implications for land east of Sauble Beach currently owned by the Town, businesses, and community members, including Lakeshore Boulevard itself.
In a statement issued by the Council, they noted that they hope to engage in a constructive conversation with Saugeen First Nation leadership to resolve these issues in a spirit of reconciliation. However, they believe that issuing a notice of appeal is necessary to preserve the Town and landowners’ rights while those discussions occur.
CKNXNewsToday.ca has reached out to Town of South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Garry Michi and Saugeen First Nations Chief Conrad Ritchie for comment on this story.
