Latest news with #MCFN
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Haldimand has ‘concerns' about Mississaugas of the Credit expansion plan
Mississaugas of the Credit wants to grow and is eyeing land in neighbouring Haldimand County for expansion. The First Nation southwest of Hamilton has applied to Ottawa to add 308 acres to the reserve in the form of four parcels of land along Highway 6. Roughly one-third of the desired land — 108 acres — is currently inside Hagersville's urban boundary and designated for employment, while the balance is zoned for farming. The band council already owns the land through a numbered company, but Haldimand has final say on zoning and development. That would change if the federal government approves MCFN's request to formally incorporate the parcels through Ottawa's 'addition to reserve' process. Losing the employment land would mean rejigging Haldimand's official plan, said the municipality's head of planning at a recent council meeting. Mike Evers walked council through several 'concerns' his department has with MCFN's application to Indigenous Services Canada. Having the land added to the reserve would put it outside Haldimand's land-use planning authority, Evers said. 'There's no longer any mechanism for us to regulate what happens on those lands,' he said, noting any official plan designations and site plan control would 'all disappear.' Annual property tax revenue for the county to the tune of $11,500 would also vanish, as would the potential for higher returns once the property is developed, Evers noted. The Spectator asked MCFN for an interview to discuss the First Nation's plans for the properties in question and address Haldimand's concerns, but the band council declined to comment for this story. Haldimand cannot veto the expansion if the federal government signs off. In a letter to the municipality, senior land negotiations officer James Rodger said Ottawa 'encourages Haldimand County to work collaboratively with Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to resolve issues of concern and mutual interest.' To that end, Evers advised council to make a deal with the First Nation 'that covers off compensation for current and future tax revenue.' The planning department would also like to see MCFN agree to what kinds of development can take place on the lands even after they are transferred, and commit to enforcing a land-use agreement 'to ensure that only the approved forms of development will occur.' Federal negotiators can be called in if the two parties reach an impasse during negotiations, Evers noted. 'Ultimately, approval is at the federal level,' he said. He confirmed MCFN has to conform with existing land-use rules and pay property taxes during the application process. According to Indigenous Services Canada, additions to reserves are meant to 'improve community access to land and resources,' boost Indigenous economic development and 'contribute directly to advancing reconciliation and improving the treaty relationship.' In practice, that most often means adding land for new housing and infrastructure, Evers told councillors. Land can be added in rural or urban settings, and the properties need not physically border the reserve. Evers said the 'complex' application process can take years to complete, mentioning three ongoing requests to add Haldimand land to the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve that are already more than a decade old. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Cision Canada
08-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Therme Canada Unveils Updated Design for Ontario Place West Island
Family fun, public parks and inclusive wellness at the heart of a reimagined Toronto waterfront TORONTO, July 8, 2025 /CNW/ - Therme Canada today released the updated design for its landmark waterpark and wellness facility at Ontario Place, developed by world-renowned architecture firm Diamond Schmitt alongside Therme ARC, in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN), STUDIO tla, and Trophic Design. The new vision redefines the relationship between people, place, and wellbeing — offering expansive public waterfront access, Indigenous-informed design, and immersive spaces for family-friendly recreation. The revitalized facility integrates 16 acres of publicly accessible parkland, walking trails, beaches, cultural gathering areas, and nature play zones along Toronto's western waterfront — all free and open year-round. At the heart of the site is Therme's innovative waterpark and wellness centre, where visitors can enjoy waterslides, but also thermal bathing, social saunas, pools, and relaxation areas inspired by global spa traditions. The site will also pay tribute to the original Ontario Place with a focus on families and inclusion by offering an entire area dedicated to family fun including joyful waterslides, wave pools and multiple food and beverage offerings – all set amongst botanical gardens. " Ontario Place has always been a place of connection — to land, to water, and to each other. This project is about honouring those connections through design that reflects Indigenous teachings, ecological stewardship, and community use." said Chief Claire Sault, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. " This design offers a globally inspired wellness experience that is also grounded in a distinctly Canadian identity and informed by the landscape of Ontario." said Gary McCluskie, Principal at Diamond Schmitt. " It blends nature and architecture in a way that makes the waterfront more inviting, inclusive, and alive. Every element of this design — from the pavilions to the plantings to the play spaces — invites people to connect, reflect, and share." "Our collaboration with Trophic Design on the West Island public park lands represents a holistic approach to landscape design that goes beyond aesthetics. By integrating universal design principles with indigenous consultation, ecological restoration and year-round programming, we've created a space that truly serves everyone in the community." said Jeffrey Craft, Partner and Managing Director STUDIO tla " Our approach to support MCFN's vision is to ensure Indigenous knowledge systems are authentically expressed through the West Island re-development. This partnership represents a fundamental shift toward Indigenous place-making principles. Together, we are helping to ensure Indigenous worldviews actively guide plant selection, spatial relationships, and storytelling approaches within the park, creating opportunities for all visitors to learn and connect with the land's true history." Terence Radford, Landscape Architect and Indigenous Consultant, Trophic Design " At Therme, we believe that wellbeing should be accessible, joyful, and culturally meaningful.," said Adam Vaughan, Senior Advisor at Therme Canada, " We are honoured to help shape a renewed Ontario Place — one that is open, welcoming, and transformative." Therme Canada's vision reflects a long-term commitment to collaboration with Indigenous communities and to listening to what Ontarians want, including ongoing consultation with MCFN and cultural knowledge holders.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation working with Therme on Ontario Place designs
The chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation says they are involved in a "true partnership" with the company behind the controversial luxury spa planned for Ontario Place — a project she said will be a step toward reconciliation and community education. Chief Claire Sault said the MCFN has been integrated "every step of the way" by Therme Canada, from the design process to plans for ongoing stewardship. Therme has a 95-year lease to build a destination spa and indoor water park on the west island of Ontario Place, the provincially-owned site on the city's lakeshore which is located within MCFN's treaty territory. "I want us to have a footprint in our treaty area, to educate the public," Sault said. "I want our stories to be told." She said the nation's knowledge keepers and staff have provided Therme input on ecological and environmental concerns raised by advocacy groups and some politicians. As part of the consultation process, she said Therme reintroduced a certain species of fish, which she did not name, and added native plants to the area. The nation also only agreed to the removal of over 800 trees on the site after Therme committed to restoring the greenery "above and beyond what's being taken out," she said. Sault said she and some council members had met with "naysayers" about the project, though she didn't name them. In those conversations, she said members of the nation explained "the long history of not having economic reconciliation" and MCFN's involvement in environmental issues related to the redevelopment. Economic reconciliation refers in part to providing Indigenous communities with equitable access to opportunities for economic development, according to the federal government's website. Sault said there will be opportunities for MCFN to secure contracts with Therme, such as for landscaping work on the site. "My hope is that we continue down that path of building good relations, hearing difficult things when we need to or difficult feedback when we need to," she said. "We're very open to that, but our elders always remind us to stay the course." Therme's plan for the west island has drawn considerable criticism. Premier Doug Ford said in April that he was "very satisfied" with Ontario's deal with Therme, despite allegations first published by the New York TImes that Therme exaggerated its credentials in its pitch. WATCH | Critics react to allegations that Therme misrepresented itself in dealings with province: That report came after Ontario's auditor general criticized the provincial government's handling of the redevelopment in December, saying the bidding process was not "fair, transparent or accountable." In her report, Shelley Spence said the redevelopment will likely cost the public purse roughly $2.24 billion — ballooning by more than $1.8 billion compared to projections in 2019. Among environmental concerns about the redevelopment, local politicians and waterfront users have said the province's sewage plan for Ontario Place could pollute the West Channel. But Sault said the MCFN will continue to follow its natural laws as the partnership with Therme moves forward. "We're definitely committed to being good neighbours and continuing to be good neighbours to all of our treaty areas," she said. "That's not going to change." The property will include a public park featuring cultural elements of the MCFN, said Terence Radford, a partner at Trophic Design, a landscape architecture firm. He said the site will also feature prominent use of Anishinaabemowin, allowing not only the general public to engage with the language, "but also Indigenous youth … that are living in the City of Toronto that maybe haven't had an opportunity to engage with elders or knowledge keepers to experience and engage with their language." The property will feature an east and west pavilion that can be used as performance and event spaces, Radford said. The pavilions draw on storytelling from MCFN elders, knowledge keepers and community members, he said. The structural designs are informed by the seasonal cycles, the calendar, the relationship to the turtle and star teachings, he said. Design renderings for the west pavilion shows a turtle pattern embedded in its structure. Meanwhile, the east pavilion will include a viewing point to see particular constellations during the winter solstice, Radford said. Plans also include sound and video installations within the pavilions to support an "ongoing relationship" with MCFN artists and storytellers, he said. The redevelopment will also have two plazas. The South Shore Plaza will include artwork by an MCFN artist that tells the story of the Three Fires Confederacy, an alliance between the Potawatomi, Odawa and Ojibwe nations, renderings show. While Toronto has visible cultural districts like Chinatown and Greektown, Radford said Indigenous people have been "largely invisible" in the city's building practices. Involving MCFN in projects such as this one will help educate residents about the land that they live on, he said. The redevelopment is set to be completed by 2029.
CBC
07-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Missisaugas of the Credit First Nation working with Therme on Ontario Place designs
The chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation says they are involved in a "true partnership" with the company behind the controversial luxury spa planned for Ontario Place — a project she said will be a step toward reconciliation and community education. Chief Claire Sault said the MCFN has been integrated "every step of the way" by Therme Canada, from the design process to plans for ongoing stewardship. Therme has a 95-year lease to build a destination spa and indoor water park on the west island of Ontario Place, the provincially-owned site on the city's lakeshore which is located within MCFN's treaty territory. "I want us to have a footprint in our treaty area, to educate the public," Sault said. "I want our stories to be told." She said the nation's knowledge keepers and staff have provided Therme input on ecological and environmental concerns raised by advocacy groups and some politicians. As part of the consultation process, she said Therme reintroduced a certain species of fish, which she did not name, and added native plants to the area. The nation also only agreed to the removal of over 800 trees on the site after Therme committed to restoring the greenery "above and beyond what's being taken out," she said. Sault said she and some council members had met with "naysayers" about the project, though she didn't name them. In those conversations, she said members of the nation explained "the long history of not having economic reconciliation" and MCFN's involvement in environmental issues related to the redevelopment. Economic reconciliation refers in part to providing Indigenous communities with equitable access to opportunities for economic development, according to the federal government's website. Sault said there will be opportunities for MCFN to secure contracts with Therme, such as for landscaping work on the site. "My hope is that we continue down that path of building good relations, hearing difficult things when we need to or difficult feedback when we need to," she said. "We're very open to that, but our elders always remind us to stay the course." Development has faced criticism Therme's plan for the west island has drawn considerable criticism. Premier Doug Ford said in April that he was "very satisfied" with Ontario's deal with Therme, despite allegations first published by the New York TImes that Therme exaggerated its credentials in its pitch. Critics react to allegations that Therme misrepresented itself to get Ontario Place deal 3 months ago Duration 2:40 Ontario's government plan to build a luxury spa on the former site of Ontario Place is under the microscope again after allegations that Therme falsely presented itself to secure the 95-year deal. CBC's Shawn Jeffords has the story. That report came after Ontario's auditor general criticized the provincial government's handling of the redevelopment in December, saying the bidding process was not "fair, transparent or accountable." In her report, Shelley Spence said the redevelopment will likely cost the public purse roughly $2.24 billion — ballooning by more than $1.8 billion compared to projections in 2019. Among environmental concerns about the redevelopment, local politicians and waterfront users have said the province's sewage plan for Ontario Place could pollute the West Channel. But Sault said the MCFN will continue to follow its natural laws as the partnership with Therme moves forward. "We're definitely committed to being good neighbours and continuing to be good neighbours to all of our treaty areas," she said. "That's not going to change." Pavilion designs reflect MCFN storytelling The property will include a public park featuring cultural elements of the MCFN, said Terence Radford, a partner at Trophic Design, a landscape architecture firm. He said the site will also feature prominent use of Anishinaabemowin, allowing not only the general public to engage with the language, "but also Indigenous youth … that are living in the City of Toronto that maybe haven't had an opportunity to engage with elders or knowledge keepers to experience and engage with their language." The property will feature an east and west pavilion that can be used as performance and event spaces, Radford said. The pavilions draw on storytelling from MCFN elders, knowledge keepers and community members, he said. The structural designs are informed by the seasonal cycles, the calendar, the relationship to the turtle and star teachings, he said. Design renderings for the west pavilion shows a turtle pattern embedded in its structure. Meanwhile, the east pavilion will include a viewing point to see particular constellations during the winter solstice, Radford said. Plans also include sound and video installations within the pavilions to support an "ongoing relationship" with MCFN artists and storytellers, he said. The redevelopment will also have two plazas. The South Shore Plaza will include artwork by an MCFN artist that tells the story of the Three Fires Confederacy, an alliance between the Potawatomi, Odawa and Ojibwe nations, renderings show. While Toronto has visible cultural districts like Chinatown and Greektown, Radford said Indigenous people have been "largely invisible" in the city's building practices. Involving MCFN in projects such as this one will help educate residents about the land that they live on, he said. The redevelopment is set to be completed by 2029.
Hamilton Spectator
03-07-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Celebrated poet Gimaa R. Stacey Laforme reflects on Grief, Hope, and Reconciliation
During National Indigenous History Month, residents were invited to join in a night of words and reflection by celebrated poet and storyteller Gimaa R. Stacey Laforme. The event, hosted by the Town of Caledon and IDEA Caledon, allowed attendees to gain insights into the power of poetry as art, as told by Laforme. Laforme, previously Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN), has been serving his community for more than 20 years. Laforme shared poems from his books, Living in the Tall Grass and Love, Life, Loss, and a Little Bit of Hope: Poems from the Soul. His poetry collections invite non-Indigenous people to see through the eyes of Indigenous people, exploring topics such as peace and humanity, grief, trauma, and hope, while also drawing from his own life experiences. 'There's things within the books that I write that are about raising consciousness, not just living in the moment. Enjoy your moments, life is made up of moments. But we have an obligation to the future and you can't always meet that obligation by living in the moment,' shared Laforme. He began writing poetry in Grade 8, and after that, picked it back up after his mother passed when he was only 29. 'I don't know why I chose poetry, but I chose poetry instead of writing about it. And then from there, I just kept writing,' said Laforme. Laforme shared that he feels he can do good things more broadly through his work now than he could during his time as chief. 'I always felt constrained by the role of being a political leader in a First Nation because I always wanted to do more for more people,' said Laforme. 'I enjoy this side of it better, interacting with many different people from many different backgrounds.' 'One of the greatest things that we need to remember is we're all in this together,' shared Laforme. 'But sometimes we're asking the wrong questions. Because we're thinking of the moment. We're not thinking of the big picture. We should be asking those other questions, those hard questions. And that'll change the dynamic in how we see other people.' Standing at the front of the room, Laforme wore a red ribbon shirt with an eagle and ribbons along the back and sides. Red symbolizes missing and murdered indigenous women, the eagle represents one of the most important animals in the Anishinaabe indigenous world view, and the ribbons are a symbol of remembrance and support for Indigenous residential school survivors and those who did not return home. Laforme read his poem titled Reconciliation. 'I sit here crying I don't know why I didn't know the children I didn't know the parents But I knew their spirit I knew their love I know their loss I know their potential And I am overwhelmed By the pain and the hurt The pain of the families and friends The pain of an entire people Unable to protect them, to help them To comfort them, to love them I did not know them But the pain is so real, so personal I feel it in my core, my heart, my spirit I sit here crying and I am not ashamed I will cry for them, and the many others like them I will cry for you, I will cry for me I'll cry for the what could have been Then I will calm myself, smudge myself, offer prayers And know they are no longer in pain No longer do they hurt, they are at peace In time I will tell their story, I will educate society So their memory is not lost to this world And when I am asked what does Reconciliation mean to me I will say I want their lives back I want them to live, to soar I want to hear their laughter See their smiles Give me that And I'll grant you reconciliation.' 'We all know there were children left behind. But it's one thing to know that. It's another thing to have the TV come on and slap you right in the face with that information. I was sad. I was hurt. I was angry. I felt someone's love and sympathy for the family. And so, I sat down and wrote, Reconciliation,' he shared. 'Because these aren't just indigenous children. These are the children of this country. These are our children.' When people ask Laforme what they can do, whether by donating or raising awareness, Laforme tells them to get together with their community. 'Do something in your own backyard that means something to you, something that you won't forget.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
