Barrie mayor meets with Grand Chief over Allandale Station land

By Roger Klein CTV News
For years the City of Barrie has been working to redevelop the historic Allandale Station but construction work has taken a back seat to last minuet diplomacy.
The train station was originally built in the early 1900s but the history of the land goes back much father. Archeologists have found evidence that the land was once a First Nation settlement dating back to the 1600s.
Huron-Wendat Grand Chief Konrad Sioui believes his ancestors may be buried at the site.
“If it’s is a grave, than it is a common grave and there could be 1000 people in it,” said Sioui.
Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman travelled to Quebec this week to meet with the Grand Chief after receiving a letter highlighting concerns.
The focus of the meeting was to find out what must happen regarding the Allandale site and the Huron-Wendat concerns.
There have been several archeological studies conducted at the site over the years, but most of the property has never been excavated.
Archaeologists believe if there were burial grounds at the site they were likely destroyed by erosion and other disturbances. However, those findings are not considered conclusive.
Both the Chippewas of Rama and the Huron-Wendat First Nations have an interest in any remains. Both agreed with the city that another independent study should be done,
“Given the concerns there needs to be additional archaeological investigation of the Allandale site,” said Lehman. “We have agreed that should happen and the reports will come to us jointly and that investigation should be done by somebody independent who can bring fresh eyes to this.”
Once the study is completed, the three parties will have to reach an agreement on what to do next. In the meantime, the city intends to continue working on the interior of the building preparing for tenants.