The developers working on the upcoming suburb of Tewin have presented detailed plans to the City of Ottawa for approval. Interestingly, what began as a project aimed at reconciliation now has members of the Taggart family in charge of the Algonquins of Ontario Realty Corporation, their Indigenous partner.
In 2021, Lynn Clouthier, a former member of the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO), along with Wendy Jocko, a past chief of Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, urged Ottawa city council to let them develop rural land together with their partner, Taggart Group.
Back then, Clouthier and Jocko served as directors for a realty corporation associated with AOO. This organization was set up in 2005 to negotiate a significant modern treaty.
Corporate records indicate that on December 11, 2022, Christopher Taggart was appointed CEO of the Algonquins of Ontario Realty Corp., while Michelle Taggart took on the role of president. Current AOO executive director Jim Meness became vice-president and Jocko assumed the position of secretary.
Michelle Taggart leads Taggart subsidiaries Tamarack Homes and Tartan Homes; she stepped into these roles from her uncle Chris, who now provides advisory support to Taggart.
Veldon Coburn, an Algonquin member from Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and a public administration professor at Mc Gill University who has been monitoring this situation for years, remarked that the Tewin project has been “usurped” by the Taggarts, effectively making it “essentially now Taggart Inc.”
“I am flabbergasted. This is an organization that was created by and for Algonquins,” he stated.
“This strikes me as very disingenuous. It seems to be that a family leading a multibillion-dollar initiative wants control and is using our nation’s name for personal gain.”
No Indigenous ancestry
This September, Algonquins of Ontario, Taggart Group, and Caivan Communities formally filed more than two dozen documents to apply with the City of Ottawa.
Their aim is to build a community just south of the Highway 417 interchange at Anderson Road based on Algonquin principles emphasizing sustainability, biodiversity, and respect for land and water.
Once finished, this community could include 24,900 housing units accommodating around 64,500 residents-20,000 more than initially planned.
This planning application follows several years’ worth of technical studies and community planning initiated after city council approved adding Tewin land in a controversial decision back in 2021.
The sought an interview with Michelle Taggart regarding ownership issues within AOO Realty Corp. during an event; however she declined and instead provided a written statement.
A statement attributed to “the Tewin Team” explained that AOO Realty Corp. was originally formed with three Algonquin directors but expanded its board in December 2022 to include two members from Algonquins of Ontario alongside two representatives from Taggart.
“As the project transitioned from initial formation into active planning and development phases,” read the statement,”the governance structure evolved to incorporate representatives from Taggart possessing development expertise crucial for advancing such a large-scale community.”
Christopher and Michelle Taggart do not have Indigenous ancestry; however according to “the Tewin Team,” “their experience positions them well to lead the corporation through complex tasks involved in moving Tewin from planning into reality.”
The partnership is described as one where “each party contributes what they do best.”
“The Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) have led cultural vision efforts along with stewardship principles while creating community legacies-actively shaping how developments take place on their traditional lands,” stated their message.
“Taggart brings essential technical knowledge along with financial resources needed to turn those visions into functional sustainable communities capable of providing much-needed housing options within Ottawa.”The statement further noted that discussions regarding partnership structures had occurred publicly over many years without being new information.
The requested insights from Jim Meness about whether AOO still retains significant decision-making authority or financial interest despite having individuals named CEO or president from outside its membership.A response came not directly via Meness but through “the Tewin Team” email account which labeled this undertaking as “reconciliation in action.”
He indicated that AOO had pursued its goals transparently through lawful means viewing partnerships like this one as extensions toward achieving those aims.“It’s delivering profit-sharing opportunities plus educational training jobs-all things we’re proud about within our alliance,” Meness added.“Any claims otherwise are inaccurate plus damaging towards progress we’re making.”
Taggart a major landowner
A lot among properties initiating Tewin’s development once belonged under provincial government control since long ago intended towards establishing model cities beyond Greenbelt which never materialized during late seventies era.
Land registry documents reveal sale transactions made by AOO Realty Corporation involving dozens totaling $16.9 million acquiring parcels via provincial negotiation processes occurring back during year twenty-twenty. During research conducted around suburban layouts concerning wetlands identified amid owned assets resulting henceforth would prevent construction upon many sites deemed significant.
A spokesperson confirmed earlier statements made indicating acquisition transpired separately distinctively apart treaty discussions proceeding utilizing first rights due consultations mandated between indigenous peoples whilst agreements ensured fair value paid jointly alongside tag partners involved facilitating purchases respectively. WATCH | Developers behind Tewin submit plans alongside leadership held by taggarts running Indigenous realty corporation:Developers behind Tewin submit plans alongside leadership held by taggarts running Indigenous realty corporation:Originally proposed invoking acts towards reconciliation today finds themselves encountering prominent figures holding office roles associated directly linked corporations managing ventures despite lack ethnic backgrounds recognized traditionally applicable here While concurrently owning substantial tracts situated locally remains true evidence backing respective claims pertaining legislative appropriations surrounding urban boundary expansions decided last two years ago incorporated previous votes validating said decisions rendered necessary concurrent infrastructure upgrades required before developments executed properly supporting goals established previously throughout broader context addressing emerging issues needing resolutions reached mutually agreeable settlements achieved amicably fostering positive relationships flourishing across regions collaborating collectively while promoting unified aspirations resonating firmly together showcasing hopes genuinely fulfilled dreams realized successfully paving pathways forward enhancing societal conditions available beneficially improving quality lives experienced residing said communities overall positively reflecting enhanced living standards offered evolving progressively ongoing thus resulting eventually culminating gradual transformations ushering enlightenment igniting sparks creative imaginations blossoming forth illuminating futures bright ahead destined greatness await future endeavors propel ambitiously onwards..<strong
Kitigan Zibi chief sees ‘opportunism’
Council faced fierce opposition in twenty twenty-one coming forth strongly against proposals introduced appealing wider communities urging attentiveness heightened amidst criticism voiced largely directed towards existing frameworks established presently insisting refraining engaging development partnerships initiated exclusivity thereof failing adequately meet requisite consents sought beforehand ensuring proper communications laid groundwork essential mutual understanding shared expectations defined clearly establishing foundations rooted equality respectful relations nurtured diligently gaining trust earned reciprocally ingrained deeply invested interests honored equally represented collaboratively honoring native heritage recognized faithfully preserved maintained holistically protecting rights guaranteeing adherence ethical standards expected behavior upheld consistently reinforcing commitments fulfilling obligations undertaken responsibly aligning missions crafted significantly 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ties bind us all
Tewin partners promise benefits to Algonquins
Throughout time stakeholders involved repeatedly questioned implications surrounding benefits flowing back toward local populations associated profits derived sales thousands homes constructed therein allocated wisely invest proceeds generate wealth circulate influence prosperity return meaningfully supportive initiatives targeting betterment environment nurture social infrastructures augment capacities empower local people create sustainable pathways equitably preserve natural resources lift honor dignity foster developmental opportunities extend outreach programs anchored foundational pillars resolve conflicts arising maintain open lines communication trusted facilitate transparency promote visibility essence endeavors inherently collaborative meaningful impactful measurable outcomes reflecting genuine commitment achieving success driving progress optimally utilized maximizing returns enables collective leveraging experiences draw insights emerge lessons learned informing practices aiming continuous improvement derive learning enhancing efficacy engagements reinforce investments aligned purposes meaning nurturing generational wealth embed ethos built fostering equity distribution resources ensure inclusivity recognition diversity inform strategies proactively adjusting course align evolving landscape continuously adapting mitigate challenges embedding vigilance perseverance tenacity uphold moral compass navigating complexities steward future generations endorse accountability implement safeguarding measures integral fortify sovereignty emphasize cooperation establish frameworks reflection reciprocal arrangements characterize mutual benefit highlighted regarded fundamental principle reigning supreme guiding philosophy underscoring vision noble paths charter carefully designing actions frame collectively pursuing goals aspirational elevate aggregate dynamism fostering momentum energizing ambitions venture further afield manifest grace fruits labor herald transformation inscribe milestones achievements recount unfolding saga enduring perseverance relayed chronicles fulfill aspirations unlock potential enshrined promises kept share vision extend hand solidarity carve niches co-create legacies trailblazing forefront cultivating communal gardens rich harvests sown anticipation glorious yields compassion courage bolster warmth kindness serve catalysts forging bonds shape realities birthplace ideas converge forming cohesive fabric knitted tightly interwoven celebrate unity strength encourage hopeful faith guide travelers boldly step unknown territories discover wonders await fortuitous encounters await realize dreams harvested commitment dedication wading waters tumultuous currents navigate uncertainties braving tempests sailing ventures cast nets wide gather bounty nourishing thirst spirit fulfilling purpose-driven missions champions advocating values transformational impact reignite flames inspiration invoke imagination sparking innovations daring greatly explore depths envision construct tomorrow harbor ambitions worthy adventure embark ultimately leaving footprints trail blazing forge routes hitherto unexplored exhilarating expeditions claim rightful place destiny beckons adventure calling create spaces ignite conversations shedding light untapped potential enriching landscapes painted brushstrokes exuberance openheartedness coloring memories etched heart minds reassuring resilience emerges poignantly reminds transform adversity opportunity seize occasion carry torch continue illuminating pathways generations share entrusted revelatory journeys embark quests discovery surfacing golden threads linking histories shared understandings arise compelling narratives waiting tell breathe hope illuminate realms offer glimpses splendor celebrated magnificence never ceasing inspire catalyze unprecedented revolutions transformation!
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