The Town of South Bruce Peninsula says it continues to navigate the complexities of the Ontario Court of Appeal's recent decision regarding the Sauble Beach Land Claim. The 121-page ruling touches on significant issues, including the delineation of the Reserve's eastern boundary, which has implications for Lakeshore Boulevard North and nearby properties.
The Court clarified that lands east of the sandy beach do not form part of the Saugeen First Nation Reserve, an outcome the Town views as a positive development. This determination suggests that properties along and east of Lakeshore Boulevard North could remain under South Bruce Peninsula jurisdiction. However, the exact boundaries of the Reserve will only be verified following a legal survey, which is expected to be conducted in the spring or summer of 2025. Despite this optimism, the Saugeen First Nation has not agreed to restrict its land claim to areas west of the boulevard.
In response to the unresolved boundary issues, the Town has confirmed its intention to seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada before the deadline of February 7, 2025. Mayor Jay Kirkland emphasized the importance of preserving the Town’s legal rights.
"If we drop our appeal and the survey results differ from the Court’s description, we would have no choice but to start fresh legal proceedings," he said.
Adding reassurance to the Town's decision, its legal counsel has committed to covering all costs of the appeal process if the Supreme Court rejects the case.
This development follows the Ontario Court of Appeal’s December 2024 ruling, which upheld the Saugeen First Nation’s ownership of a two-kilometre stretch of Sauble Beach from Main Street to 6th Street North.
Looking ahead, the Town has expressed a willingness to engage in discussions with Saugeen First Nation to address mutual concerns, including beach drainage maintenance, long-term public access, and operational partnerships. However, the legal proceedings are far from over. Phase Two of the land claim trial, focusing on compensation for affected parties, is not expected to conclude until 2026.