Traditional Land Uses and Claims (First Nation and Métis)

Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference

Section 7.3.4, pg 46, prepared by Dillon Consulting for the TRCA

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The Project Study Area does not contain any First Nation reserves. However, archaeological evidence gathered in this area shows that the First Nations people established settlements along the Scarborough Bluffs dating back 10,000 years, making this one of the oldest inhabited sites in the City of Toronto.

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The Project Study Area is located on lands originally surrendered as part of the 1787 Johnson-Butler Purchase. However, in 1794 the Crown acknowledged that the Johnson-Butler Purchase was not valid due to a number of irregularities in the treaty document. The lands within the Project Study Area were therefore not formally surrendered until 1923 as part of the Williams Commission. Specifically, the Project Study Area is found within the Clause 2 Williams Treaty lands. The seven First Nation signatories of the Williams Treaty include the Mississaugas of Scugog Island, the Mississaugas of Alderville, Hiawatha, Curve Lake, Chippewa of Rama-Mnjakaning, the Chippewa of Georgina Island, and Beausoleil First Nations.

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In addition to the Williams Treaty signatories, other First Nations and Métis may have an interest in the Project, including potential project effects to traditional land and/or treaty rights and land claims. Specifically, Aboriginal and/or treaty rights related to hunting, fishing, and harvesting have the potential to be affected by the Project. Engagement is currently underway with First Nation and Métis communities, as well as applicable regulators, to determine possible interests (refer to Section 10 and Record of Consultation provided as a separate document). TRCA will consider First Nation and Métis interests during the Project planning and design phase, and will provide the results of the consultation program in the EA Report. 

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Read the complete Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference Report 

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