Settle dispute

There are two ways to proceed after last week’s “two-chain” ruling handed down by Justice J.S. Fregeau, which backed the Town of Fort Frances’ claim of ownership to the strip of land along the shore of Rainy Lake from just before the Ranier bridge to the Nanicost building.
One path, of course, is for the plaintiffs—Couchiching, Naicatchewenin, Nigigoonsiminikaaning (formerly Nicickousemencaning), and Mitaanjigamiing (formerly Stanjikoming)—to appeal the decision to a higher court. And depending on the outcome there, further appeals are possible—perhaps even winding up before the Supreme Court of Canada.
Needless to say, that will take years—and lots more money.
The second path is for the parties involved to come together and settle this dispute (along with related litigation) at the table, not in court. It has dragged on for far too long, leaving an area to decay in limbo rather than be utilized to the benefit of all residents.
Given the current economic climate here, we can ill afford to waste any more time—not to mention potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional legal fees—fighting over what should be a jewel that locals can enjoy while attracting much-needed tourist dollars.
All sides are urged to see the wisdom in choosing the second path so action can be taken now to restore the Point Park to the purpose it was intended to serve so long ago.
Pursuing litigation eventually will produce a “winner”—but at what cost?