An agreement has been reached between the City of Brantford and the neighboring Haudenosaunee community Six Nations of the Grand River, paving the way for Six Nations to partake in the economic benefits of developing lands on the city’s outskirts. Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis expressed that this agreement will foster trust and respect between the communities.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed on August 18 by Mayor Davis and Sherri-Lyn Hill, the elected chief of Six Nations, pertains to the “boundary lands” adjacent to Brantford’s current urban area. This MOU outlines a cooperative framework for shared prosperity concerning the 3,060 hectares of land transferred from Brant County to the city in 2016 to support future residential, employment, and economic expansion.
Under this agreement, Six Nations will have a say in the land’s development and will receive a portion of the financial gains generated through a levy on projects like new housing developments. Specifics of the levy will be outlined in the final agreement between the two parties.
Mayor Davis highlighted Six Nations’ prolonged wait of over three decades for a lawsuit against the provincial and federal governments regarding land sovereignty in the region. The trial for seeking compensation for lands reserved for Six Nations under the Haldimand Proclamation is scheduled to commence in October after years of delays.
The MOU is also designed to aid in easing uncertainties among developers regarding the prolonged lawsuit settlement, fostering better relationships between Six Nations and neighboring municipalities. It is anticipated that the servicing of these lands, estimated to cost up to $1 billion, will accommodate growth in Brantford for the next few decades, potentially accommodating 40,000 residents and 20,000 job opportunities.
Furthermore, the MOU envisions a new levy on developments contributing to a Six Nations Community Prosperity Fund, aiming to enhance relations between the City of Brantford and Six Nations. The elected council of Six Nations reiterated that the MOU does not involve the sale, surrender, or transfer of any Six Nations lands, rights, or interests and is only a starting point for ongoing discussions and agreements.
The province may need to approve the implementation of the new levy, with Mayor Davis noting that Brantford’s development charges for new homes are comparably lower than those in many Greater Toronto area cities. Elected Chief Hill emphasized the importance of building strong, respectful relationships while acknowledging Six Nations’ historical ties to the lands in question.
Before finalizing any agreements, community consultations will be conducted, as stated in the MOU document, ensuring that the rights of Six Nations are safeguarded throughout the process. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council expressed concerns over the matter and is expected to release a detailed statement soon.