By Marianne Wood, Bruce Peninsula Press
A July 30, 2021 news release on the Saugeen Environment Office’s (SON) website (www.saugeenojibwaynation.ca) states:
“This week, concerns about fencing along highway 6 starting at Lone Wolf and going south were brought to the attention of the SON Environment Office.
On Thursday July 29th Councillors Sid Nadjiwon, and Nick Saunders, and Acting Chief Miptoon went to the site with Emily Martin (SON Environment Office) and Jarmo Jalava (ecologist) along with three staff from Parks Canada. We are very concerned with this fencing for a few reasons including how it will interrupt bear and deer travel from the west side of the highway to the SON Hunting Grounds. We have sent an email to the Ontario Ministry of Transport requesting a meeting and that all work stops until meaningful consultation with SON happens. The Environment Office is actively following up.“
A follow-up release was posted on August 11, 2021:
“Concerns about fencing along highway 6 starting at Lone Wolf and going south were brought to the attention of the SON Environment Office in late July. Representatives from the Environment Office and Joint Council met with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), responsible for the fencing this week.
MTO has committed to removing the mesh fencing within the next two weeks. SON representatives will go to oversee the removal of the fencing. After the mesh comes down there will be further conversation between SON and MTO about the future of the fence and the importance of meaningful consultation with SON.
The Environment Office is actively following up. Please let Emily Martin (519-397-0849) know if you have any more information or questions about this fencing.”
Request for additional information from SON was not returned.
A representative from the Ministry of Transportation replied to our media request with the following information:
“MTO can confirm that the mesh that is part of the wildlife fencing along Highway 6 will be removed within the next two weeks.
MTO values our relationship with Indigenous communities and looks forward to working with Saugeen Ojibway Nation.”
Bruce Peninsula Press will continue to gather additional information as it becomes available.
