Several members of Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) expressed their concerns about new housing developments being constructed within the Brantford and surrounding area.

Six Nations is currently involved in an ongoing land claims litigation case regarding the land within the Haldimand Tract with both the provincial and federal governments.

During the July 24 political liaison meeting,the SNEC Consultation and Accommodation Process (CAP) Team presented their June and July activity reports. During the presentation, the CAP team highlighted new housing developments that are set to begin construction in the Brantford and surrounding area. The housing developments highlighted are being developed by LIV Communities as well as an existing subdivision located on Birkett Lane.

Coun. Helen Miller spoke on these developments and the lack of communication or consultation with Six Nations considering the ongoing legal battle.

"This is getting crazy, the housing in Brantford that's on our land, the projects they're doing. They don't even care to consult with us, or even think about consulting with us. They just keep going ahead with everything like we're not important, that's our land," she said.

"We should, at least, with development that's close to home, we should be stopping development in Brantford until we settle the land claim," she continued. "We need to meet with Brantford Council. They're getting millions on all of these development fees and we're not getting anything."

Six Nations Chief Mark Hill says his office has reached out to both Brantford City Council and The County of Brant Council to schedule a tri-council meeting to discuss the new housing developments an he's hopeful to have that scheduled in the near future.

Six Nations Lands Researcher Phil Montour says it's time for SNEC to make a decision on what councils next steps are. He says they must decide whether they are going to fight the new developments or if they're looking to negotiate an agreement with the municipality.

"Council, you have to make a decision, are we going to take them on? Or are we going to try and work out agreements with them?" he said. "I think we're into the process of going towards litigations."

SNEC approved to accept the June and July activity reports as information from SNEC's CAP team and say a joint council meeting between Six Nations, Brantford and Brant County is currently being scheduled. SNEC is hopeful the meeting will take place in the near future.

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