After years of court battles, the Saugeen First Nation has been determined as the rightful owner of a stretch of Sauble Beach.
In a decision announced Tuesday, Justice Susan Vella of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled in favour of the First Nation in its land claim.
"While there may be further legal proceedings to come depending on the responses of the other parties, including appeals, we have so far been totally successful in our lawsuit against Canada, Ontario, and the town of South Bruce Peninsula," a statement on the Saugeen First Nation website said. "Issues that remain for the court to address include compensation to our First Nation for the government's breach of treaty."
According to the First Nation's statement, the court ruled that the federal government violated its rights under Treaty 72 by "failing to protect and preserve the entirety of our reserve after we signed the treaty in 1854."
In a statement released by the Town of South Bruce Peninsula, Mayor Gary Michi said the municipality will take some time to review the court's decision.
"This is a complex issue that requires time to formalize a position," he said. "Council understands how important this issue is to the Town and thanks residents in advance for your patience."
The Town of South Bruce Peninsula holds the deed to a disputed 2.5 kilometres north of Sauble Beach's Main street sign. Saugeen First Nation has said previously that if it won the case, the beach would remain open to the public.
Council says it is reviewing the decision in detail to formally make public comments and consider next steps.
CKNXNewsToday.ca has reached out to both Mayor Michi and Saugeen First Nation Chief Conrad Ritchie for comment.
This is a developing story.
