McKenzie Meadows housing development in Caledonia cancelled
Plans for the McKenzie Meadows housing development, a site otherwise known by protestors as 1492 Land Back Lane, have been cancelled.
On Friday, Losani Homes told CTV News they delivered notices earlier this week to home buyers saying the sales had been “frustrated” by the continued occupation of the lands.
Protestors have been occupying 1492 Land Back Lane since July of last year and argue it is an unceded part of the Six Nations territory.
Losani Homes says the occupation shows no signs of ending despite court orders. They also claim various levels of government have not responded to their requests for help.
Homes will no longer be built on the site, the agreements have been terminated, and buyers will get their deposits back.
The developer adds that there are still several legal proceedings ahead.
"This is an absolute win for us that our children and grandchildren are going to be able to have some space to be able to grow and thrive as a community," said Skyler Williams, a spokesperson for 1492 Land Back Lane.
"When we talk about residential schools and when we talk about missing and murdered Indigenous women and when we talk about the 60s scoop, like this is what we're talking about," Williams continued. "It all ties back to land, because for us we want to be able to invite those sisters and brothers home that have been dispossessed of these lands and that have been stolen away from our communities."
Losani Homes declined our request for an interview. Asked in an email if the recent findings of unmarked graves at residential school sites across Canada impacted the decision to cancel the project, the developer's legal representative responded "not at all."
The email continues in part: "Currently our nations are in mourning and the frustration of McKenzie sale agreements should not detract from that."
After conflict and tension at the site over the past year, it was a much calmer scene at the encampment on Friday afternoon following Losani Homes' announcement.
"Our people are going to be able to use these lands in whatever way they see fit for the foreseeable future," Williams said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.