Chiefs of Ontario Press Release: Chiefs of Ontario Seek Party Status in Landmark Ontario Land Tribunal Case

FEBRUARY 20, 2025 –

The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) have succeeded in its motion for party status at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) in the ongoing Springwater Township v. Galibier Materials case.

This critical intervention will allow COO to address long-standing concerns regarding First Nations consultations under the Planning Act and Aggregate Resources Act, ensuring that First Nations’ rights are recognized in land-use planning decision-making. It is disappointing that Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources unsuccessfully opposed COO’s intervention on January 30, 2025.

For decades, companies have extracted billions of tonnes of aggregate without consulting First Nations. Gravel companies extracted 165 million tonnes last year alone. This case involves a proposed 17.5-hectare (43 acre) gravel pit development near the Minesing Swamp, which is an internationally recognized wetland that is among the most diverse and undisturbed wetland tracts across Canada.

This case has highlighted systemic failures regarding the exclusion of First Nations from critical land-use planning processes. Despite direct impacts on First Nations, many were not consulted before referral to the OLT, a practice that COO asserts is unconstitutional.

“First Nations have a fundamental right to be consulted on developments that impact their lands, waters, and ways of life. The current system fails to uphold these rights and we will not stand by while our Nations are left out of the decision-making process,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “By seeking party status, we are taking a stand to ensure that First Nations voices are heard, and that consultation is meaningful and legally upheld.”

The two-week hearing on the pit’s environmental impacts will begin on September 15, 2025. COO remains committed to advocating for stronger, legally binding consultation practices that respect First Nations rights and uphold constitutional obligations.

The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ChiefsOfOntario

Media Contact:
Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-819-8184
Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org

For the original press release, please click here.

Photo by Ivan Bandura on Unsplash