A local group opposing a new warehouse project near the Grand River in Cambridge, Ont., is calling on city council to stop the development after discovering that members of Six Nations of the Grand River might not have been properly consulted, according to documents obtained by Cambridge Chronicle.
“While we think we’ve been disrespected in this process, it’s pretty clear the Six Nations of the Grand River have been disrespected for more than 150 years,” said Alan Van Norman, co-chair of Blair Engaged, a group formed earlier this year to raise concerns about the lack of community input on this project.
The group plans to send a letter to the mayor and city council on Tuesday, along with a letter from Six Nations Lands and Resources Director Lonny Bomberry, both highlighting how consultation was lacking.
Broccolini Real Estate Group is planning to build a 100,000 square metre warehouse with 110 loading docks and parking for over 800 cars and 350 trucks on Old Mill Road in Cambridge’s Blair area.
Back in April, Cambridge city council unanimously supported a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) for this warehouse. An MZO lets the provincial minister bypass local planning rules to speed up projects. To move forward now, city council still needs to approve a site plan application and issue a building permit.
Local residents formed Blair Engaged because there wasn’t enough public consultation during the MZO approval. They’re asking for the zoning order to be revoked and want more community involvement before moving ahead. They’ve also hired David Donnelly from Donnelly Law to help their cause.
‘Unhelpful’ talk with developer doesn’t count as consultation: letter
In Bomberry’s letter sent October 7th to Donnelly, he says that since the land planned for the warehouse belongs to Six Nations, there should at least be consultation.
This land is part of the Haldimand Tract – which covers 10 kilometres on either side of the Grand River – granted to Six Nations in 1784 as thanks for their alliance with Britain during the American Revolution.
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council-the traditional government body of Six Nations-called earlier this year for a pause on any development in that area.
A recent year-long protest by Six Nations land defenders led to canceling a major housing project in Caledonia, Ont. There’s also an ongoing occupation at Arrowdale Golf Course in Brantford aimed at stopping its sale by the city.
This map shows where Broccolini plans their warehouse in Cambridge; it was part of materials given to council on April 6. (Broccolini Real Estate Group/Cambridge City Council agenda)
“We are very displeased that both the City of Cambridge and the proponent, Broccolini Real Estate Group, have failed in their responsibility to consult with us to receive our free, prior, and informed consent,” Bomberry writes.
He adds that city planners refused meetings with Six Nations’ Consultation and Accommodation Process (CAP) team.
Bomberry eventually arranged talks with Broccolini but says their responses were “very vague” or sometimes “misleading and not helpful” when it came to addressing environmental concerns about this project.
“As the discussion CAP team had with Broccolini could not be seen as real consultation, [Minister Steve Clark] used his authority wrongly when granting an MZO without properly consulting First Nations as required,” he wrote.
Bomberry didn’t comment further when contacted by CBC but confirmed his letter is genuine. The Six Nations community did not respond to requests for comment either.
Province says it’s up to city officials
Jean Langlois from Broccolini said via email that they “have followed and will continue respecting all municipal and provincial processes throughout every stage,” including having consultations with First Nations which they say already took place.
No further details were given about those consultations when asked.
Langlois added that their upcoming site plan application submitted soon will include studies covering noise levels , traffic , wetlands , heritage protection , among other things.Residents living in Blair village are upset because they feel ignored by city council regarding this huge new development. (Carmen Groleau / CBC)
City spokesperson Susanne Hiller emailed saying someone from “First Nations” requested talks before province approved MZO. She wouldn’t confirm if meeting happened though , only saying city wanted ministry officials involved since they approve these orders.
However , she acknowledged developers have met “with First Nations plus other stakeholders.”
Hiller mentioned city is still waiting on full site plan application from Broccolini. After submission , various groups including First Nations can provide feedback.
Supporting reports will go online too ; traffic study & heritage review will be shown before council allowing public comments according her.
Finally , council must vote whether or not approve plan.
The province has taken heat over using MZOs lately because critics say it rushes developments too fast.
Ontario government rep Conrad Spezowka wrote via email that province issued MZO here after city asked them “to get shovels moving faster on warehouse jobs helping create up to 1 ,400 positions supporting COVID-19 recovery.”
Spezowka clarified province does not own land itself.
“We expect municipalities do due diligence consulting communities – including Indigenous ones – whenever requesting an MZO,” he added.
“Also minister previously encouraged meaningful engagement locally before approving these zoning orders.”
‘History repeating’ hurts relations with First Nations
Donnelly told Cambridge Chronicle if no public meetings happen or if MZO stands firm then locals plus Six Nations see it as disrespectful slap in face.
“A failure…would be blatant hypocrisy especially considering Indigenous territory acknowledgments done every meeting,” he said directly.’
Donnelly noted if no action reversing happens then legal challenges may follow challenging how MZO got approved. He mentioned archeological assessments under review checking if land holds cultural value.
Donnelly pointed out cities like Pickering & Stratford rescinded similar orders after listening carefully to communities concerned.
Councillor Jan Liggett doubts change coming despite pushback over Amazon-style project.(City of Cambridge/You Tube)
Cambridge Ward 4 councillor Jan Liggett who initially voted yes but now opposes what she calls “Amazon-style” development feels unlikely any reversal will happen.
Liggett said her efforts pushing council for public consultations weren’t supported so far.
She worries moves like these don’t build good ties with Indigenous groups at all.
“We’re just repeating history here.. we’re saying we consider you equal.. we want respect but yet history repeats itself,” Liggett said adding frustration why protests occur over such issues.”
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