Reserve expansion proposal raises alarms – Vancouver Sun
October 10, 2013
B.C. municipalities are raising concerns over a proposed federal policy change that would allow First Nations bands to buy land and create satellite reserves anywhere in B.C. – even if they’re not next to their traditional territory.
A report to Metro Vancouver Wednesday warns the changes to the so-called “additions-to-reserve policy” would allow residential, commercial and industrial development in cities across B.C., resulting in the loss of land, taxes and costs associated with servicing agreements.
It could also create a “proverbial patchwork quilt” of jurisdictions, with municipalities wrangling with First Nations over bylaws and regulations on everything from fire services to house inspections.
Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Reserve+expansion+proposal+raises+alarms/9020233/story.html#ixzz2hL6lbdyw
