The CCF is supporting Christine and Daniel Reio after the Ontario government refused to provide financial assistance following the April 2024 discovery of approximately 1,000-year-old human remains on their Port Colborne property. The discovery triggered a mandatory archaeological investigation and Indigenous consultation process, with costs estimated at hundreds of thousands of dollars – potentially more than $1 million – which the province expects the homeowners to pay.
The Reios do not dispute the importance of protecting burial sites and consulting Indigenous communities. Their case instead raises an important question: when the government requires private property owners to carry out costly obligations that serve the public interest, who should pay? Through their judicial review application, the Reios are challenging the government’s refusal to provide financial assistance and seeking a fairer approach for landowners facing similar circumstances.
Financial Assistance for Mandatory Archaeological Costs
CCF Launch: June 22, 2026
Jurisdiction: Ontario Divisional Court
Status: Ongoing
Next Key Date: Awaiting hearing date
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