Saugeen First Nation deemed rightful owners of part of Sauble Beach

Saugeen First Nation granted ownership of beach The Saugeen First Nation has been awarded ownership of large stretch of Sauble Beach shoreline – CTV London's Scott Miller has the details.

Saugeen First Nation is now the rightful owners to two kilometres of valuable Sauble Beach shoreline.

“The rights of the Saugeen people have been vindicated. After generations of struggle this is a victory that belongs to our entire community,” said Saugeen First Nation Chief, Conrad Ritchie. “Our relationship with our lands and waters is central to our way of life, and Sauble beach, known to us as Chi-Gmiinh, is an integral part of our community.”

Ontario’s court of appeal dismissed an appeal by the town of South Bruce Peninsula, the Province of Ontario, and two private Sauble beach landowners, as to whether the Saugeen First Nation really does own the stretch of sandy beach, from Main Street to 6th street north, in the shoreline town.

An April 2023 court ruling transferred ownership of the stretch of sand from the town of South Bruce Peninsula to the Saugeen First Nation, after decades of legal wrangling.

South Bruce Peninsula and Ontario disagreed, but the appeal was dismissed on Dec. 9, clearing the path for unfettered control of a large swath of the Sauble Beach shoreline, to the local Indigenous band.

“The court has recognized the importance of Sauble Beach to the Saugeen First Nation, but we recognize it is important to others as well, including as a tourist destination. We look forward to continuing to do the good work that we have done with our neighbours and partners over the past two summers, to keep the beach a special place for everyone, under the Saugeen First Nation’s jurisdiction.”

Public access to one of Ontario’s top beach destinations has continued since the ownership change, and appears to be continuing that way, into the future.

The town of South Bruce Peninsula, which still oversee the rest of Sauble Beach, is considering next steps.

“While we are disappointed with the outcome, we respect the judicial process and remain committed to acting in the best interests of our community,” said South Bruce Peninsula Mayor, Jay Kirkland.

Having their appeal dismissed, means South Bruce Peninsula will have to cover nearly $2 million in court costs for both the Saugeen First Nation, and government of Canada, who were supporting the Indigenous group’s land claim.