Referendum Vote: August 25, 2005

August 25, 2005 Referendum Vote Results:  

A Land Designation Referendum was launched on June 30, 2005 to seek permission from the community to set aside lands for commercial development and establish the terms and conditions for all future leasing at one time. The official posting by Indian and Northern Affairs occurred on July 8, 2005.

Community Information Sessions were held in Killarney, Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie on July 12, 13, 14th and a final session was held from 12:00 Noon – 10:30 PM at the Community Fire Hall on August 11th. The vote was held on August 25th.  

129 total votes cast with two spoiled ballots.

Here are the results:  YES = 63  NO = 64

Chief and Council considered the results and decided to revise their developmental proposal and seek permission from the community to launch an adjusted development plan.

Changes:

• The total acreage proposed for designation is reduced from 8,096 Hectares (20,005 acres) to 4,109 Hectares (10,154 acres).

• All the land on the north side of Henvey Inlet lying between Henvey Inlet and Key River has been removed from the proposed designation and will remain available for general Band use.

All other features of the proposal as outlined in the first referendum package remain unchanged, including the permitted uses of the land, the corporate and band structures which will be required, and the Head lease with Canada.