First Nation files lawsuit to stop Windmill's 'Zibi' redevelopment

A First Nation has filed a lawsuit to stop a major redevelopment on the former Domtar lands along the Ottawa River.

Windmill Developments plans to build a $1.2-billion residential, commercial and retail community on the Chaudireand Albert Islands.

The civil lawsuit was filed by Stacy Amikwabi on behalf of the Amikwa First Nation, which is part of the Algonquin nation.

The suit names as defendants the federal and Ontario governments, the National Capital Commission, the City of Ottawa and Windmill Developments.

To read the lawsuit in its entirety, click here.

Not all Algonquins consulted, lawyer says

"It's time for it to be cleaned up and it's time for the industrial undertakings to move on. What we're asking is for the return of the stewardship of the Algonquin people in relation to the sacred site," said lawyer Michael Swinwood. "It means no development. There are plenty of places nearby where development can take place."

Swinwood acknowledges Windmill consulted some Algonguin band councils, but he said those band councils don't represent all Algonquins.

"They've reached out to ones that have been compliant," he said. "The Algonquins of Ontario didn't assert any of the things that we're saying."

Windmill Developments did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Several of the defendants have filed motions to have the case dismissed, and a hearing to consider those motions is scheduled for July 13 and 14 in Toronto.