FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 18, 2020
QUEEN’S PARK – On February 28, 2006, the Douglas Creek Estates subdivision was occupied by force. Over the past 14 years, area people and their institutions of policing, justice and government have done everything in their power to right this wrong, without success.
Recently, Toby Barrett, MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk, rose again in the Ontario Legislature, as he has been doing for the past 14-and-a-half years, to reiterate that the occupation of the Douglas Creek Estates subdivision remains illegal and flies in the face of our society’s adherence to an agreed-upon system of law.
“The use of force is not rewarded in a democratic society,” Barrett explained to parliamentarians from all parties assembled in the House. “Although occupied, ownership of Douglas Creek Estates lies with the people of Ontario, a fact guaranteed by the rule of law in accordance with all three levels of government.”
For 14 years, Caledonia and Six Nations residents, as well as outside players from all sides of the issue, have fought a drawn-out battle in word and deed over the acreage on the south side of Caledonia – a planned subdivision for 600 homes known as Douglas Creek Estates. Flare-ups and confrontation – with arson and blockades of road and rail have alternated with periods of standoff and stalemate.
As Barrett reported, yet again, in Ontario’s Parliament, “Regrettably, defending the rightful ownership of this subdivision has subjected my constituents, on all sides of the issue, to 14 years of violence, intimidation, lost economic activity and social disruption.”
Barrett concluded with a call for both provincial and federal action to work collaboratively to bring resolve for those involved on all sides.
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For more information contact MPP Toby Barrett at toby.barrett@pc.ola.org or 519-428-0046, 905-765-8413 or 1-800-903-8629