Point Park Information Release

Media Release

Media Release - June 24, 2025
Conclusion of the Point Park Litigation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FROM: Town of Fort Frances

TO: Members of the Public

RE: Conclusion of the Point Park Litigation

As many of you are aware, last week on June 17th, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice issued their decision on the litigation regarding ownership of Point Park. As this matter has been ongoing for some time, we are relieved to see this finalized. Our Council respectfully acknowledges the decision of the court and believe it is justified.

We understand and acknowledge that this litigation has weighed heavily on the hearts and minds of the Indigenous community. We also acknowledge the financial burden this matter has caused on our communities. We understand the public’s interest in the cost of this litigation, and will release the total amount in the coming days, once we’ve ensured financial accuracy.

We acknowledge and regret the damage done to our relationship with Agency One and the four First Nation communities, Couchiching, Mitaanjigamiing, Naicatchewenin, and Nigigoonsiminikaaning that form it. Additionally, the toll this litigation took on our Fort Frances residents, our staff, and the members of all First Nation communities whose members our municipality serves. We regret that this process unfolded in a manner that resulted in unintentional harm.

This matter has seen 8 terms of council and has spanned 27 years from start to finish. The process has been long, and the attitudes and opinions held at the inception of this endeavour are not the same today. We commend our current Council, whose unanimous decision to not appeal the decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice is best reflective of the values and goals of the Town of Fort Frances. We are committed to listening and understanding the history of the Indigenous people in this country, and how best we might move towards reconciliation.

In light of the current circumstance, we hope that the end of this litigation can serve as a starting point in our shared history. Our commitment to learning and progressing as an organization and community is strong and steadfast. We are committed to working with Agency One and all of the First Nations of the Southern region of Treaty Three to help heal the harm of past decisions and work towards a future relationship based on a foundation of mutual respect and open dialogue.

Point Park Legal Spending

Information was not being previously released due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the litigation, however after a 27 year litigation, the Council of the Town of Fort Frances have agreed to release to the public the amount in litigation costs.

For 1998 and 1999, no data was discovered.

Fees from 2000 to 2024 were: $5,487,705.25. This equates to an average of $219,508.21 spent annually from 2000 to 2024.