One family's fight for their property
The government is destroying property rights through archaeological mandates
Christine and Daniel Reio, supported by the Canadian Constitution Foundation, are challenging a government decision that has left their property effectively unusable while imposing potentially ruinous costs on them.
After purchasing a property in Port Colborne, Ontario and beginning construction of their future home, the Reios discovered ancient human remains on the site. Since then, they have been ordered to fund an archaeological investigation that could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, or even exceed $1 million.
Despite legislation that allows the government to step in when compliance would impose an undue financial burden, provincial officials refused to provide assistance.
For a detailed account of the case, read the court filing here.
A family trapped by an unfair system
More than two years after construction began, the Reios remain unable to move forward. Their property has been transformed into a fenced excavation site covered by tarps, and they cannot build on it, restore it, or reasonably sell it. Meanwhile, they face ongoing uncertainty about whether additional remains may be discovered and whether the costs required to comply with government orders will continue to grow.
The Reios support reconciliation and the respectful treatment of human remains. But they believe no family should be forced to shoulder potentially ruinous costs simply because they happened to discover something of historical significance on their property.
Advancing reconciliation and preserving cultural heritage are public responsibilities, and the costs should not be falling on individual property owners.
If you agree that this system needs reform, please sign and share our petition below:
Join our fight against governments destroying property rights through indigenous archeological mandates
We urge Ontario to:
- Provide financial assistance to innocent property owners.
- Reform archaeological cost rules.
- Ensure fairness when public-interest obligations are imposed on private landowners.
By signing this petition, you will also be automatically added to our email newsletter list which you may opt out of at any time. Subscribing to our newsletter is one of the best ways to stay up to date on this project.
We are fighting back for this family
The freedom to use your property should not depend on your ability to absorb limitless government-imposed costs.
The Reios are not the only homeowners who could find themselves trapped by this unfair system. Your donation will help the CCF challenge government overreach and push for reforms that protect Canadians from bearing crushing costs for government objectives. Please donate today.
The Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) is a national and non-partisan charity. We are dedicated to defending the constitutionally protected rights and freedoms of Canadians, and to maintaining Canada’s constitution, including its federal structure and division of powers, as intended in the Constitution Act, 1867. Our charitable registration number is: 86617 6654 RR0001. The CCF is also registered as a 501(c)(3) public charity with the US Internal Revenue Agency.
© – Canadian Constitution Foundation – 2026
