Planned Dune cutting to make room for parking that’s been overtaken by sand at Lakeshore Boulevard in Sauble Beach is being met with concern since it was brought to people’s attention in late November.
Saugeen Ojibway Nation’s Environment Office sent a letter to the Town of South Bruce Peninsula on November 24th, saying it had concerns over the planned work. An excerpt from that letter said, “We have several concerns regarding the above described works. Firstly, the location in question (the waterfront along the shore of Lake Huron including from Lot 25 to the middle of Lot 31), is and always has been part of Saugeen First Nation Indian Reserve #29. The town is well aware of this fact. The fact that this land is Saugeen’s reserve land been confirmed by the Federal Government, which has previously advised project proponents that no activities can occur there unless you have obtained the consent of Saugeen First Nation to proceed with the activities.”
On Thursday, (December 3rd) Saugeen First Nation (SFN) and Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) posted an update on the Environmental Office website saying they have, “Been in contact with the Town of South Bruce Peninsula regarding
the proposed alteration of the sand dune ecosystem at Sauble Beach, Saugeen First Nation Indian Reserve #29, SON Territory.”
The update says, “We have received the reports and information requested from the Town and have completed a site visit with our staff and subject matter experts. During a meeting this morning (Dec. 3), the Town acknowledged that no works would proceed at this time and agreed to accept a proposal from SON for a consultation / consent process.”
The Environment Office explains, “SON’s consultation process includes undertaking a detailed review and assessment of the proposed works, the ecological significance of the sand dune ecosystem, and provision of recommendations to the Town regarding the proposed works, including alternative solutions to address parking and safety issues without impacting the local environment.”
The statement from the SON Environment Office says, “The Town and SFN representatives also discussed the need to develop clear guidance for the Town regarding communications and processes for any proposed activities to occur on lands that are part of SFN Indian Reserve #29, and/or any activities that have the potential to alter, disrupt or destruct habitats or environmental features in SON Territory or potential to impact SON’s Aboriginal and Treaty Rights. If the Town does not accept the consultation process proposed by SON, further discussion with the Town and alternative actions will be required to address this issue. We have received an overwhelming response from members of the general public across the Territory, and in particular from residents of the Town.”