NEWS RELEASE
TOWNSHIP OF RAMARA
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The Township of Ramara has initiated the process of transferring ownership of Fish Sideroad, Benson Sideroad, Willison Sideroad, Williams Road, and Victoria Park Road to the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.
This transfer was initiated due to the Chippewas of Rama First Nation receiving a grant from the Federal government to upgrade these roads. However, they cannot proceed with the upgrades until the ownership is changed.
"The Township of Ramara has sought legal advice in this process as there is no legislation that prohibits the transfer of roads to our Indigenous neighbours, and no legislation that outlines the process. It is very much an undefined process, but one that we think could work," states Township of Ramara Mayor Basil Clarke.
"The Township is committed to working collaboratively with Rama First Nation and ensuring residents that all aspects of planning, zoning, and infrastructure are investigated."
The intent is to transfer the ownership of these roads to another level of government while ensuring that planning and servicing standards are maintained. This process is not dissimilar to residents who live on Rama First Nation land but access their property using a Township-owned road. The upgrade to these roads is as follows:
- Upgrade Fish Sideroad to handle increased residential travel traffic and improve residential traffic use.
- Upgrade Benson Sideroad intersection with Fish Sideroad for improved sight-lines and drainage.
- Upgrade Willison Sideroad, Williams Road, and Victoria Park Road for improved local traffic use.
This work is mutually beneficial to both communities as it represents work that is not in the current infrastructure plan for Ramara.
"It demonstrates our commitment to work with our neighbours, and supports our strategic priorities of working with partners," said Clarke.
Both Rama First Nation and the Township of Ramara are committed to ensuring the public is informed and engaged regarding this ownership change for both communities to work together respectfully.
To continue this process in a public forum, residents affected by this change will be receiving a notice explaining the process in detail. A public meeting will be held on Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. to gather community input.
Both Rama First Nation and the Township of Ramara will co-host the meeting to answer all the public's questions and concerns. Please note that more information will come on the Township's website on how the public can participate in this meeting.
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