Lot Development Project Debated In Buffalo Narrows

Lot Development Project Debated In Buffalo Narrows

Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 14:16

 

 

Questions over how a proposed lot development in Buffalo Narrows could affect traditional Metis harvesting practices were raised this week at a meeting in the northern village.

 

Metis local president Phillip Chartier says he and others want the province and the municipality to consult with them over the proposed construction of Pioneer Point Resort.

 

Chartier says the development could include up to 200 lots, and that could impact road access to the beach, fish stocks and existing infrastructure.

 

He says he wants to lay out these concerns in a face-to face meeting with provincial officials.

 

Chartier says legal precedents stipulate that Metis people must be consulted over development on their traditional land.

 

Meanwhile, the mayor of Buffalo Narrows says a lot of good headway was made at the meeting.

 

Bobby Woods says 30 to 40 people voiced their thoughts and concerns about the project.

 

However, he says people should remember that a lot of checks and balances are already in place to protect things like fish stocks and hunting areas.

 

He also says anyone wanting to harvest fish or game commercially would need to get approval first.

 

As well, Woods notes the entire subdivision is proposed for construction within municipal boundaries.

 

“Within the municipal boundaries, mayor and council, we have the right to build our community, to move our agendas forward. If this was on Crown land, it’d be a totally different thing,” Woods says.

 

Woods says he appreciates all the feedback gathered and he expects the provincial government to do its duty and consult citizens about the project.