Haldimand County Council is very frustrated and concerned about the ongoing blockade on the Highway 6 bypass in Caledonia. The blockade – which is going into its third week – is detrimentally impacting Caledonia and resulting in adverse impacts to the local economy, traffic disruptions and residents’ quality of life.

The continuation of this blockade, while others across the country are being dismantled, is unacceptable. The County is doing everything in its power to mitigate the impacts of the blockade on communities and residents.

“The little information that has come from the Ford government is misleading and causing more anxiety amongst our residents. I encourage all to contact their local MPP and press for immediate action,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

While the blockade is on provincial lands and outside of Haldimand County’s jurisdiction or direct control, Council is demanding that the Province of Ontario, as the agency responsible for oversight of the Ontario Provincial Police, require its police force to enforce the law and facilitate removal of the blockade. Haldimand County also encourages the federal government to deal with systemic issues that are leading to these reoccurring, disruptive events.

Both levels of senior government have a responsibility to address this unacceptable blockade and to ensure that the County and Caledonia do not continue to be burdened by collateral damage from inaction.

Haldimand County has worked hard to develop a good relationship with its First Nations neighbours and believes it is in the interest of all to expedite a resolution that will put an end to the blockade. Council and staff will continue to advocate on behalf of its citizens and call on the Province and Ontario Provincial Police to remedy the situation at hand.