Kanata residents and Algonquins fighting to save part of the South March Highlands from being razed say they will continue their protests, despite the continued clearing of the land.

The concerned residents have been trying to protect the Beaver Pond Forest, territory considered to be culturally significant to Algonquins, and a beloved natural resource popular among hikers in the community. But KNL, a consortium of developers, has won approval to develop a 29-hectare plot of Kanata’s South March Highlands — which includes two square kilometres of Beaver Pond Forest — into a new housing subdivision.

Community members opposing the scheme said they won't quit until the end.

"We're not going away. This fight is going to go on, and on, and on," said Bob Abell, one of the most vocal protesters of the development plan.

'Unique gem'

Archaeological experts have argued that evidence suggests the area could be a world heritage site, but clearcutting has been underway around the disputed Beaver Pond Forest property since January.

"This really is a really unique gem in Ottawa," said Kanata resident Martin Callsen. "The variety of species and animals. So why, if there are other areas to build houses on, why are we building them here?"

A small group of people staged a sit-in outside city hall to protest the development of land in the Beaver Pond Forest. (Laurie Fagan/CBC)

This week, a group of Algonquin youth arrived from Val D'or, Que., more than 800 kilometres away, to rally for support. Algonquins believe the land is sacred and could be home to an ancient burial site.

Steve Hulaj with the Kanata Lakes Community Association said developers were making a big mistake.

"Nobody's going to drive by that subdivision in 50 years and go, 'Wow, what a beautiful subdivision, look at the siding, look at the asphalt,'" he said. "But imagine what it could have been in 50 years."

No plans to cease construction

In February, several demonstrators chained themselves to trees in the development path and staged a sit-in outside city hall.

Still, all that action and even zoning bylaws may not be enough to save the property, according to the city. The city had considered buying the 29 hectares from the developer, but gave up on that idea.

"They only way you're going to be able to save that, because of its position, is someone has to get the money to buy it," said Marianne Wilkinson, councillor for Kanata North. "And I've told them that for the last year."

The developer says it has no plans to back down now. Construction will proceed, and KNL plans to build 250 single homes and another 200 townhouses.

KNL did, however, agree earlier to a land swap with the city to open up an 80-metre-wide corridor of natural environment covering 2.4 hectares.

With files from the CBC's Ashley Burke