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.