A landmark symbol on a popular Ontario beach was replaced just before the day of Canada to reflect the ownership of the first nation of the land.
The red sign on the edge of the lake Huran in the South Bruce Peninsula reads the first “Welcome to Sobal Beach”, now “Welcome to Saugeen Beach”.
Saugeen First Nation Band Councilor Sonya Rote says the name change was a “long time,” and follows the 2023 court verdict that the two kilometers of the two kilometers of the beach falls under the stretch community.
The court found that the stretch of the land was improperly surveyed 170 years ago and returned its ownership in Sauzene First Nation.
Rotte says that the new sign on the popular tourist destination is temporary and will have a community consultation for a more permanent signal in the future.
Mayor of South Bruce Peninsula J Kirkland says the city was not informed about the sign change and is disappointed about the decision.
