It has come to the attention of the South End Road Association (SERA) and its member boards that recently there have been private road members gaining access to their cottages through the reserve road without previous approval from Andy Graham. The SERA board was informed of actions by some road members of what can be considered illegal entry and usage of the reserve road.
The Band is now conducting a review of all access and departures through the checkpoint over the last week to ensure there were no additional entries without proper permission. More transgressions of the permit system will likely be found and communicated to SERA and individual road associations in the coming days.
These transgressions have likely angered the FN Band, who may now think that our members do not respect or understand the Ontario Health Orders and the established checkpoint system.
We are all concerned and frustrated by the road closures, but it is worth restating what we know as the facts today.
- The Ontario Health order has not been rescinded yet.
- The Band has the right to set up a checkpoint and restrict road access under the Pandemic Action Plan
- The Band Police and the OPP have the authority to charge any unauthorised members for trespassing.
- The Band views the Road Associations as responsible for individual actions of its members.
The consequences of additional unauthorized use of the band roads could be significant.
We ask that you not try and even contemplate the idea of using any Band roads, either coming in or leaving unless you have a permanent resident pass or previous approval from Andy Graham. The band considers usage both going in and going out to and from your properties and anyone you may visit as trespassing. Please do not approach the checkpoint with the idea “lets just try and see what happens…” – hoping that you can gain access from an inattentive security guard. It reflects badly on your judgment. That is taking advantage of a situation that will not be helpful to reopening the road.
We are all anxious to get back to our properties, but in the interim, adherence to the set-out rules is critical to us getting back to our properties.