Henco appeal case continues

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CHCH News has learned that more than a million dollars in taxpayer cash has gone to maintain the property of the only standing home on Douglas Creek Estates — land occupied by native protesters since 2006. The information came to light as we continue to cover a court case involving the former owners of Douglas Creek Estates and the Canada Revenue Agency.

Today, the Ministry of Infrastructure confirmed to CHCH News that between 2006 and December 31st, 2013 the total property costs for the land was $1.5 million in taxpayer money.

In a statement today the ministry said: “As is the case for all provincially-owned property, Ontario is responsible for the ongoing costs related to the former Douglas Creek Estates site.”

Now the ministry did not specify where that money was going to. We asked the government what the nearly $200,000 go to and we will continue to pursue that information.
In 2006, Don and John Henning were developing the lands in Caledonia when it was taken over by native occupiers. The government bought out the Henning’s months later for $15.8 million when it became apparent that there was no end to the occupation in sight.

Now separate from the government costs of maintaining that land, Don and John Henning are currently in tax court with the Canada Revenue Agency over a tax reassessment where the CRA reassessed the Henning’s at the highest tax rate for the land — the brothers are trying to reduce that rate. Their lawyer is arguing that this was not a routine transaction.

Today, Brian Haggath of the OPP was called in to testify about the volatility of the situation and at times how there were violence during the occupation to demonstrate how unique this situation was and the circumstances leading up to the province purchasing the land.

The case resumes Friday.