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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
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.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.