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Statement from Mayor and Council – October 9, 2020

CALEDONIA PROTEST

The OPP and levels of government are not criminalizing the protestors at McKenzie Meadows.  The court issuing the injunction is not criminalizing them either.  The only people responsible for being charged with crimes are themselves and those that support and perpetuate the illegal activity. Just because we do not agree with another’s assertion does not mean anyone can step outside of the law to assert their own. No one gets a free pass or is bestowed with the right to be above the law just because they believe that someone else is wrong.

It has been said many times that we can all agree on the past failures that our Nation was built on and I would hazard to guess that most of us today are not directly responsible for those past deeds. However, we are capable of changing the course and direction or path we have been on. Dialogue towards a positive outcome is always the intent of any government and I am sure that those on Six Nations would look to the same.

Positive dialogue cannot occur under the veil of threats and hostility that exists on McKenzie Meadows.  You cannot call it peaceful when the actions of these few are calculated against any opposing action of others. A peaceful protest or exercising rights cannot be at the expense or rights of others.

There is currently a warrant for the arrest of Skyler Williams. In society today our police forces work together to help each other as the brothers they so often call themselves. I find it appalling that the OPP cannot extend the warrant within the boundary of Six Nations. Skyler each night can enjoy a peaceful sleep without interruption while many here in Caledonia continue to be at the brunt of tantrums when the police service is trying to uphold our laws.

As I mentioned earlier, Six Nations needs to assume some accountability for the failure of negotiations as does our governments.  For any meaningful conversation to take place it requires the efforts of both to find a transparent and effective method to represent the needs of both Nations. Without that framework, the posturing that continues to happen on the streets of Haldimand only exasperates things and drives wedges further into the social fabric that has afforded us many years of continued existence.

There are a number of great opportunities other than just the assertion of the claim itself, that could be celebrated for the benefit of all and many of these items are on there table and have been discussed in the past and would provide fundamental things such as fresh water to the whole of the territory and improve everyone’s social position.

Caledonia/Six Nations could be seen as a celebration of success and not one of burning tires and frustration for all. It requires some efforts from all and it must come from a good place, a place not filled with anxiety and anger. It must come from the ability to understand, to compromise and to see the end game that benefits future generations. It will NEVER be a successful ending if at the expense of one another.

Haldimand County Council continues to push provincial and federal agencies – including the Ontario Provincial Police and Ministry of Crown-Indigenous Relations – for an expeditious resolution of the McKenzie Meadows occupation.

Council remains adamant that illegal activities and behaviors in contravention with the law must be prosecuted accordingly, and reminds anyone attending the McKenzie Meadows site that they are at risk of being arrested and facing criminal charges as outlined in the court-issued injunction.

A court injunction remains in place for the McKenzie Meadows site and all municipal roadways. Council is firm in its stance that criminal activities – including occupying the McKenzie Meadows site – must not be tolerated by law enforcement.

Council acknowledges that the OPP has no role to play in the dispute’s underlying issues and is not in a position to resolve them, but expects that they will enforce the law with due process. Council further expects that the courts and relevant authorities will respect the injunctions and hold anyone brought before them accountable for their defiance of the law.

“We have been relentless in our attempts to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and other federal agencies. This situation isn’t going away, and is a by-product of failed communication and mediation at the federal level. The cost and impacts on our community are mounting. Inaction is unacceptable,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

Haldimand County Council will continue to advocate on behalf of the community with the OPP and all levels of government until a resolution is reached.

On Monday, December 2, 200+ residents attended the Flooding Hazards & Preparedness Measures Public Education Centre (PEC) at the Dunnville Community Lifespan Centre. Presentation slides shown during the PEC are available below, as well as other resource materials provided at the December 2 event. This information is also available at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.

Documents & resources

1. Public Education Centre presentation slides

2. Storm & flood contact information for residents – information sheet

3. Preparing For Flooding – a guide for property owners

4. Emergency flooding handout

5. Emergency power outage handout

6. Insurance for disasters handout

7. Lake Erie Flood Zone Property Lookup Tool

As of noon on Thursday, November 28, all Flood Warnings for the Lake Erie shoreline have been terminated.

Water levels have generally receded & all roads have been re-opened with the exception of:

Road closures:

• #1499 Lakeshore Rd. to Reicheld Rd. (Selkirk)
• North Shore Dr. west of Hutchinson Rd. (Lowbanks)

The Grand River Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Warning for the Southern Grand River Watershed and Lake Erie Shoreline. There is a currently a heightened risk of flooding in low-lying areas of Cayuga, as well as downstream of the Dunnville Dam, in the village of Port Maitland and along the lakeshore.

Haldimand County’s Manager of Emergency Services/Fire Chief is urging residents to cease all recreational activities on the Grand River immediately due to the danger of ice jams, thinning ice and the arrival of the CCGS Griffon Ice Breaker in Port Maitland. The Ice Breaker was requested by Chief Gallagher and it has been confirmed that it will arrive tomorrow afternoon. The CCGS Griffon will not be able to enter the Grand River and commence its icebreaking activities if there are ice huts and/or recreational activities occurring.

The warm weather has the potential to cause remaining ice jams in the southern Grand River to further weaken. This may cause the ice sheet to release upstream of Caledonia Dam creating the potential for ice jams to form downstream and cause flooding in the community of Cayuga.

A southwest wind will accompany the incoming weather event. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry storm surge forecast for Lake Erie is indicating Lake Erie levels will surge early Friday morning, peaking just below the warning threshold for Lake Erie, decreasing by late Friday morning.

Haldimand County Emergency Services will be hand-delivering warning notices to residents and businesses within flood zones in Cayuga, Dunnville and Port Maitland this evening and into tomorrow. Residents in flood zones are recommended to contact their insurance companies about flood protection if they do not already have it.

Residents are being urged to stay away from Lake Erie/Grand River shoreline areas experiencing elevated water levels. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from shoreline areas.

The current flood warning will remain in effect until Friday, February 8, 2019 at 4pm. Updated flood messages will be issued as conditions develop and better forecast information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Grand River Conservation Authority & Haldimand County websites and social media accounts for the most up-to-date flood and weather warning information.