Elliot Lake city council will look at transferring the land on Highway 108, north of the city core, to the Serpent River First Nations.
In his report to the council meeting next Monday night, Elliot Lake CAO Daniel Gagnon recommends the land transfer.
"In the interests of reconciliation, economic and community development and socio-cultural service delivery," said Gagnon.
The CAO wants the city to pursue an on-going Elliot Lake partnership with the SRFN in order to develop more future waterfront and rural land.
Gagnon wrote this arrangement should go ahead based on principles of revenue sharing, equal representation on the governing board and processes that respect First Nation rights, as city hall researches the legal options and framework needed to proceed.
The report urges the administration to look at other sharing opportunities with SRFN.
Gagnon wrote that, if approved, the transfer could be a pilot project for all of Ontario.
The Hwy 108 land was acquired from the Crown in 2003 when the Ministry of Natural Resources worksite there was decommissioned.
"As with all the land in the Robinson Huron Treaty area, the First Nations have had absurdly low compensation for government use of traditional lands. This disposition is a small gesture by a municipal corporation to address that wrong on a local level," Gagnon added.
If approved, the transaction is expected to cost Elliot Lake less than $5,000 in legal and other fees.
Also on the agenda Monday night, council looks at a recommendation from city clerk, Natalie Bray, to cover a plan to keep the city running if fewer than 75 per cent of the current members of the council will return following this fall's municipal election.
If enacted, Gagnon would have signing authority for city expenditures or disposition of real or personal municipal property over $50,000, and be allowed to hire and fire city employees, during two key periods.
This could happen during the municipal election process between Aug. 19, when nominations for the election are due, to election day on Oct. 24, 2022.
The second period of concern is from October 24 to November 14, 2022 which will be the last day of the current term of council.
Another issue in the council spotlight Monday night is a suggestion to transfer autism sensory equipment to the Spine Beach playground.
Council candidate Mike Thomas first came up with that idea for council prior to its decision to move the sound producing equipment to the Fire Tower Lookout.
Instead the donated equipment designed to please autistic children was put into storage.
It became problematic after nearby residents complained about vandals who stole into Westview Park by night, and used the equipment to create sleep disturbing noise in the early morning hours.
On July 19, Public Works Director Daryl Halloch once again recommended the autism sensory equipment be moved from Westview to the Spine Beach playground.
Council looks at that solution Monday night.
The hybrid regular meeting of Elliot Lake council will be live-streamed on the city website Monday night at 7 p.m.