Superior Court issues ruling regarding costs to be paid to Saugeen First Nation

South Bruce Peninsula, May 22, 2024 - In a ruling issued yesterday, Justice Vella has ordered that the Town, the Province of Ontario, and the Government of Canada to collectively pay Saugeen First Nation a total of $3.22 million in costs, disbursements, and HST.

The costs have been apportioned as follows:

• Canada: $322,000
• Ontario: $1.28 million
• The Town: $1.67 million

In addition, Justice Vella has mandated that the Town pay $467,000 of Canada's costs.

Justice Vella also stated that this costs order is made without prejudice to the Town’s right to seek indemnification from Canada for the entire costs award in addition to its damages claim, which will be addressed in Phase 2 when compensation is determined.

The Town intends to appeal the costs award against it. Consequently, the cost award is suspended until the appeal is finally determined.

The Town firmly believes that the costs should be borne by Canada, as it alone was responsible for the identification of the Reserve boundary, the survey, and the Crown patents which granted the Town title to its beach. Notably, Canada admitted at trial that it breached its fiduciary duties.

Visit the dedicated Sauble Beach Land Claim page fore more information.

For media inquiries, please contact: Danielle Edwards, Manager of Economic Development and Communications Danielle.edwards@southbrucepeninsula.com Telephone: 519-534-1400 ext. 148.

Mayor Jay Kirkland

Town of South Bruce Peninsula

Jay.kirkland@southbrucepeninsula.com

519-534-1400 ext. 201