MICHAEL’S BAY—A member of the Friends of Michael’s Bay says the group received a positive response on its concerns from the Ontario minister of tourism and culture.
“I think something is going to happen that is positive for Michael’s Bay,” stated Bill Wilson earlier this week. “Both the provincial and federal governments are talking on this issue, and I think we are going to get something good happening to the property. In order to include the main part of Michael’s Bay and the five cemeteries on the property we need access to 35 acres. If we got access to that it would satisfy us greatly, we don’t need access to 300 acres.”
In a letter to Doug Tracy, member of the Friends of Michael’s Bay dated March 4, 2016, Minister Michael Coteau wrote: “thank you for your request that the Government of Ontario ask the Government of Canada to transfer ownership of the lands containing the former town site of Michael’s Bay to the township of Tehkummah to preserve and manage.”
“As you note in your correspondence, the lands in question are currently owned by the Government of Canada and under the management of the Seized Property Management Directorate of Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC),” wrote Minister Coteau. “It is my understanding that, following settlement of local issues, PWGSC will follow its disposition process, listing the properties for sale and opening them to bids from potential buyers.”
As reported earlier this year, representatives of the Friends of Michael’s Bay want the townsite to be protected and for cemeteries contained within these lands protected and maintained.
Mr. Tracy had explained under the Municipal Act, agreements with the federal government (which currently owns the Michael’s Bay townsite) (under municipal act 3.1) the province acknowledges that a municipality has the authority to enter into agreements with the Crown in right of Canada with respect to matters within the municipality’s jurisdiction. If council passed this and had an agreement in place with the government then the townsite and cemeteries would be protected.
“All we want is for the townsite of Michael’s Bay to be protected and the cemeteries maintained,” Mr. Wilson earlier.
In his letter Minister Coteau continued, “should the Michael’s Bay properties no longer be under control of the federal crown, and come under the jurisdiction of the Township of Tehkummah, the municipality may proceed with recognition and conservation of the properties as provided by the Ontario Heritage Act, 1990. PWGSC has confirmed that it is aware of the cultural heritage value of the properties of the community, the presence of archaeological resources, a registered cemetery, and of alleged aboriginal and other burial sites on the properties. I have full confidence that PWGSC will continue to make use of its authority to protect the Michael’s Bay properties.”
“Staff from my ministry continue to monitor this matter and to provide advice to the Township of Tehkummah and local stakeholders,” said Minister Coteau. “With regard to your concerns about cemeteries and burial sites, these matters are governed by the Funerals, Burials and Cremation Services Act, 2002. I have sent a copy of your letter to my colleague, the Honourable David Orazietti, Minister of Government and Consumer Services, for his information. Thank you again for writing and for your interest in preserving Ontario’s cultural heritage.”
