In an ongoing back and forth battle, the owners of 250 Dunnette Landing Road in Alnwick/Haldimand Township has served notice on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 stating the Township made “false and defamatory statements.”
On August 19, 2025, Alnwick/Haldimand Township issued a release to all residents and visitors regarding the Dunnette Landing Boat Launch on Rice Lake.
The release stated that Township officials, including staff and Mayor John Logel visited the boat launch erected official signage clearly indicating that the boat launch is Township-owned property. A legal land survey dating back to 1973 confirms the Township’s ownership of the boat launch area.
“It has come to the Township’s attention that an individual has been charging fees for use of the boat launch. The Township would like to inform all residents and boat launch users that any person requesting or collecting fees at this location is doing so fraudulently, and such activity is not authorized by the Township,” stated the release.
On September 30, 2025 the Township was served notice by Kutty & Associates Law firm based out of Toronto.
The release states they are counsel for Mr. Tariq Syed and Ms. Wajeda Shaikh, the registered owners of Parcel 51117-0641 (250 Dunnette Landing Road), confirm that a formal legal demand has been sent to the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand in response to its August 19, 2025 media release.
The release by the owners, sent to Today’s Northumberland on September 30, 2025 states the media release issued by the Township contains, “false and defamatory allegations suggesting that our clients were “fraudulently” collecting fees at the Dunnette Landing dock.”
“These accusations are reckless and dangerous. They have already subjected our clients to harassment and threats and forced them to suspend operations for safety reasons. In reality, the modest fees collected are used to maintain the dock and ensure that it remains safe and available for the benefit of all users.”
The release also states the Township release created, “public confusion by relying on a 1973 survey of an unrelatedparcel, misleading residents about ownership of the lands adjoining the dock.”
“While the title to Parcel 21115-0642 remains in the names of the original 1962 deedholders under CB33521, the deed demonstrates that the lands described in 0642, 0641, and 0640 form a single property. Our clients have a longstanding involvement with the dock and an agreement with the Owners’ heir regarding its use and upkeep. A demand letter has been sent to the Township requiring immediate retraction and corrective action. In addition, the Ontario Land Registry Office (LRO 39, Northumberland) has been notified to ensure that the Township’s misleading assertions are not relied upon in the land registration system.
If the Township fails to correct the record, our clients are prepared to pursue all available legal
remedies, including claims for defamation, trespass, and misfeasance in public office.”
Release by Counsel for Mr. Tariq Syed and Ms. Wajeda Shaikh
Counsel Acts in Response to Township’s False and Defamatory Statements Regarding Dunnette
Landing Dock Counsel for Mr. Tariq Syed and Ms. Wajeda Shaikh, the registered owners of Parcel 51117-0641 (250 Dunnette Landing Road), confirm that a formal legal demand has been sent to the Township
of Alnwick/Haldimand in response to its August 19, 2025 media release.
That release contained false and defamatory allegations suggesting that our clients were “fraudulently” collecting fees at the Dunnette Landing dock.
These accusations are reckless and dangerous. They have already subjected our clients to harassment and threats and forced them to suspend operations for safety reasons. In reality, the modest fees collected are used to maintain the dock and ensure that it remains safe and available for the benefit of all users.
The Township’s release also created public confusion by relying on a 1973 survey of an unrelated parcel, misleading residents about ownership of the lands adjoining the dock. While the title to Parcel 21115-0642 remains in the names of the original 1962 deedholders under CB33521, the deed demonstrates that the lands described in 0642, 0641, and 0640 form a single property. Our clients have a longstanding involvement with the dock and an agreement with the Owners’ heir regarding its use and upkeep.
A demand letter has been sent to the Township requiring immediate retraction and corrective action. In addition, the Ontario Land Registry Office (LRO 39, Northumberland) has been notified to ensure that the Township’s misleading assertions are not relied upon in the land registration system.
If the Township fails to correct the record, our clients are prepared to pursue all available legal
remedies, including claims for defamation, trespass, and misfeasance in public office.
Alnwick/Haldimand Township Issues Immediate Notice Regarding Dunnette Landing Boat Launch
Roseneath, ON – August 19, 2025 – The Township of Alnwick/Haldimand is issuing an immediate notice to all residents and visitors regarding the Dunnette Landing Boat Launch on Rice Lake.
Township officials, including staff and Mayor Logel, visited the Dunnette Landing Boat Launch earlier today and erected official signage clearly indicating that the boat launch is Township-owned property. A legal land survey dating back to 1973 confirms the Township’s ownership of the boat launch area.
It has come to the Township’s attention that an individual has been charging fees for use of the boat launch. The Township would like to inform all residents and boat launch users that any person requesting or collecting fees at this location is doing so fraudulently, and such activity is not authorized by the Township.
Important Reminder to the Public:
• There are NO FEES for using the Dunnette Landing Boat Launch.
• The Township owns this public access point and will be maintaining it.
• If you are approached by anyone demanding payment or exhibiting threatening, bullying, or harassing behavior, please contact the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) immediately.
The Township takes the integrity and accessibility of public infrastructure seriously. We thank residents for their cooperation and encourage the public to report any suspicious or unlawful behavior.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Dave Dawson, CAO/Fire Chief
The Corporation of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand
PO Box 70, 10836 County Road 2, Grafton, ON K0K2G0
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
