Montreal

Kahnawake protest targets Highway 30 development

Kahnawake Mohawks held a protest this morning over disputed territory at the centre of plans for Highway 30 development.

Community members claim land at heart of Bill 85 belongs to Kahnawake

The land wedged between the South Shore's Highway 30 and St. Isidore Road has been disputed for years. (Charles Contant/CBC)

A dozen Kahnawake Mohawks held a protest this morning over disputed territory at the centre of plans for Highway 30 development. 

"This is our land. This is our earth," said Timmy Norton, who organized the demonstration on Route 207.

"Nobody can develop anything here without our consent."

Part of Highway 30 runs through land that is south of Kahnawake and was once Mohawk territory.

Many are upset over Quebec's lack of consultation with the community over Bill 85, tabled last week.

The bill proposes the creation of an economic development corridor along Highway 30 on Montreal's South Shore, as way of connecting two logistics' hubs — one in Les Cèdres, west of Montreal, and one in Contrecoeur, east of Montreal.

The proposal would see the land developed for commercial use.