Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Southpoint Sun - 13
Caldwells embark on ambitious strategic plan
LEAMINGTON — After ratifying an historic land claim settlement in 2010, Caldwell First Nation was faced with a number of choices. Importantly, what were they going to do with the land that they were to purchase? After acquiring a number of properties for sale in the Leamington area, the time had arrived for significant land development planning to be formalized. Some of the properties are along Mersea Road 1 and Bevel Line Rd., which form only a fraction of Caldwell’s traditional territory, leading to another significant area in Caldwell’s history, and what is now known as Point Pelee National Park. Caldwell First Nation Council consists of four elected members of Council and a Chief, and has an administrative staff of 25+, which is a rapid growth from the mere six staff members the Nation had as recently as March, 2018. With a Land Use Planning Study underway with First Nation Engineering Services Ltd. Council has also engaged Sisco & Associates Consulting Services to help them put their visions into two strategic documents. This work occurred between March and August 2019. The documents produced were an extensive Economic Development Plan and a Community Comprehensive Plan. The planning process took a community-based and participatory approach which included Caldwell citizen consultation, strategic planning sessions, focus groups, logic modelling, and follow-up presentations. “This process truly was a holistic and intensive approach,” stated Director of Operations, Nikki van Oirschot. “It wouldn’t have been possible without a full complement of dedicated and skilled staff, coupled with a Council supportive of its staff, change, and progressiveness.” “Due to our unique circumstances as a Nation with no current reserve system in place, we have had to work hard in order to create a vision that is our own, and most importantly, community-driven and achievable,” she added. The community documents were presented to Council in January 2020 and voted upon in a unanimous vote of Council members present. “This plan was community driven and the result of hard work, community feedback, and thoughtful and thorough planning,” stated Caldwell’s Council. “We came together and asked ourselves what the future of Caldwell First Nation could look like.” The council looked at best practices, and determined what makes them unique as a community in terms of
Members of Caldwell First Nation in front of the former Happy Snapper Restaurant, which is being re-branded as Three Fires: A First Nation Culinary Experience. Caldwell First Nation photo
their story and their geography as Canada’s most southern mainland Nation. Out of the Economic Development Plan came strategic priorities that are to be carried out by
ther by closing off some streets or allowing municipally-owned property to be utilized for patio situations. Leamington CAO Peter Neufeld cautioned that anything on public land would be very difficult to facilitate. “The difficulties would be with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO),” said Neufeld. “If we can work things out, we will be as flexible as possible.” He added that any alterations or expansion to existing patios must be brought to the municipality for building permits. Deputy Mayor Larry Verbeke asked how quickly this motion could be implemented, if passed. “If you are extending onto private land, get at it,” said Neufeld. “Come to us and tell us what you’re doing. Let’s get open and have some fun.”
Culinary Experience” led by Chef Billy Alexander, a plan for selfsustainability and self-governance, supporting a mixed economy, and the creation of an urban reserve.
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Leamington okays temporary outdoor patios LEAMINGTON — With the graduation of Leamington to Stage 2 of the province’s plan to reopen, Leamington Council held a special meeting on July 8 to address the issue of outdoor patios for businesses. Prior to the announcement, the municipality developed temporary outdoor patio guidelines to assist business owners in extending existing or establishing new temporary patios on private and public property. Council voted to approve the program after some short discussion. “Leamington businesses have been hit hard by the extended COVID-19 restrictions,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “We are optimistic that this program is a key first step forward in the road to economic recovery.” Councillor John Hammond asked about the possibility of extending the program even fur-
Caldwell First Nation Administration. The ambitious priorities involve the development of an Indigenous Tourism Hub of businesses -- including the recently re-branded “Three Fires: A First Nation
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