The Supreme Court of Canada has rejected an appeal to overturn a lower-court ruling that confirmed a First Nation’s ownership of a section of land at a popular Ontario beach, concluding a long-standing dispute.
After a lengthy legal battle, the land at Sauble Beach was officially returned to the Saugeen First Nation in 2023. Several landowners, the Town of South Bruce Peninsula, and the province had requested the appeal, which the top court decided not to entertain, without providing an explanation, as is customary.
Expressing their pride and gratitude, the Saugeen First Nation hailed the court’s decision as a “historic vindication” of their treaty rights. Chief Conrad Ritchie emphasized the significance of the land to their traditional territory, acknowledging the generations of their people who had fought to protect it.
While disappointed that the case had reached this level, Ritchie expressed hope that the outcome would pave the way for improved relationships between Indigenous communities and the government in the future.
Following the court’s decision, members of the Saugeen First Nation replaced the iconic “Welcome to Sauble Beach” sign with “Welcome to Saugeen Beach,” symbolizing their ownership of the land. The move, planned by the First Nation councillors for months, stirred surprise and disappointment among some beach visitors and local officials.
Mayor Jay Kirkland of South Bruce Peninsula refrained from commenting on the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the appeal request. The Ontario Court of Appeal had previously upheld the ruling that the coastline in question had been mistakenly surveyed 170 years ago and belonged to the Saugeen First Nation.
The disputed land, an important fishing area for the community, was originally part of the Saugeen First Nation’s reserve but was incorrectly demarcated in the past. The First Nation clarified that while the legal proceedings focused on land ownership, discussions about compensation for involved parties might be addressed in a potential second trial or through out-of-court settlements.