The developers of a planned subdivision on land in Caledonia occupied by a group from Six Nations have claimed $200 million in damages against the attorney general of Canada, the Ontario government, and the OPP, among others.

The statement of claim was issued on Thursday by Foxgate Developments Inc., a joint venture between Ballantry Homes and Losani Homes. It relates to “the past and current illegal occupation of the construction site at 1535 McKenzie Rd.”

Foxgate Developments plans to build 218 detached homes and townhouses, known as McKenzie Meadows, on the site, which had previously been farmland. This would be the first phase of a much bigger housing development that would extend to the border of Six Nations of the Grand River.

A group from Six Nations occupied the site on July 19, 2020, saying the land was unceded Haudenosaunee territory.

Foxgate’s claim is asking the federal and provincial governments to confirm there is no claim against its “lawful title to the lands.”

The claim cites government and police “negligence, malfeasance and failure to act in a reasonable manner” that “could have prevented the illegal or continued occupation.”

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

“The protests, which began on July 19, 2020, remain on the site, which now should be home to Ontario families whose lives, homes and equity have been devastated by political grandstanding and lawlessness,” said a media release. “The protests and continued violation of court orders have continued, calling into question the rule of law in this province.”

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