Quebec Algonquin First Nations oppose Windmill development in Gatineau

Five Algonquin First Nations in Quebec have voiced theiropposition tothe Zibi development on the shore of the Ottawa River.

Windmill Developments and Toronto's Dream Corporation plan to build a $1.2-billion residential, commercial and retail community on the Chaudireand Albert Islands starting this fall.

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The 37-acre site, which includes the downtownGatineau, Que.,riverfront, is also expected to include condominium buildings, a boutiquehotel, shops, waterfront parks and a network ofpedestrian and cycling paths.

However, leaders of five Quebec First Nations Eagle Village, Wolf Lake, Timiskaming, Barriere Lake and Long Pointsay they oppose the plan.

"It was a sacred area and it should be developed by the Algonquins," said Harry St. Denis, the chief of Wolf Lake First Nation.

The First Nations want the area to become a Algonquin cultural park and commemoration site, controlled by an Algonquin institution.

St. Denis does not take issue with the developer, but instead the National Capital Commission for not purchasing the land. The NCChad saidit wanted to purchase the land butcould not afford the price tag when it was put up for sale.

Support from Ontario First Nation

The nearest Algonquin First Nation, Kitigan Zibi, has not taken a firm stance on the project. The other nearby First Nation Pikwakanagan near Golden Lake, Ont.supports a plan to work with Windmill.

"We've taken the view that we're not going to take issue with people's private property and what they do with it," said Pikwakanagan Chief Kirby Whiteduck.

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Whiteduck said he wants the site which once housed theDomtarpulp and paper millcleaned up, and said he wants to have Algonquin street names and to create jobs for Algonquin workers.

The developer of the landis trying to create a database of Algonquin workers for construction that will likely continue until the project is completed in 2030.

The objections from the First Nations camethe same week asarchitect Douglas Cardinal and others appeared before theOntario Municipal Board to try toget a hearing to fightthe city's plans to rezone the land.

A decision is is expected in the coming weeks.