Press Release
Vancouver, B.C., (October 29, 2024, 9:00 A.M.) – The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), guided by the voices and values of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People, announced today that Council has approved the first phase of work on its Land Development Strategies (LDS), including land uses for three priority sites in North Vancouver and Squamish. This Nation-led initiative marks the first-ever comprehensive development approach for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw lands by the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, aimed at aligning both current and future Nation needs while reflecting cultural and ancestral significance.
The initiative covers development strategies for several key sites, including St’á7mes IR 24, the Marine Drive portion of Xwmélch’sten IR 5, and portions of Ch’ich’élx̱wí7ḵw IR 2. Each site boasts a unique vision that honours its historical context while offering tangible benefits like housing, economic development, and community amenities.
“Over the past year and a half, we have extensively engaged with our People on this work, from Community Working Group meetings to community events, Council meetings, and Elders luncheons,” shares Wilson Williams, Council member and spokesperson of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw. “Redevelopment of Nation lands benefits Squamish People and the greater region; it advances the Nation’s economic autonomy and ability to support new Nation needs. A Nation-led planning process advances our self-determination and right to self-governance.”
The LDS outlines the land uses for each site:
St’á7mes IR 24 will focus on community uses and explore Nation housing opportunities.
Xwmélch’sten (Capilano) IR 5’s Marine Drive site is set for mixed-use market residential developments, Nation housing, and a new Administrative and Community Service Centre.
Ch’ich’élx̱wí7ḵw (Seymour) IR 2 envisions a new community featuring market residential mixed uses and areas for Nation housing and community purposes.
“Planning for our Nation lands considers the needs of current and future Sḵwx̱wú7mesh generations, socially, culturally and economically; it reflects a world-class way of incorporating the Nation’s culture, values and way of life into the design and demonstrates the Nation’s leadership in this realm,” says Mindy Wight, CEO of Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation. “This Nation-led initiative affirms the Nation’s self-determination in shaping future land use decisions.”
In support of these developments, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Council has approved an extension of the moratorium on third-party proposals for redevelopment of priority Nation lands until April 1, 2025. This allows the Nation to continue the development planning without external proposals, ensuring that the process remains Nation-led and aligned with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh interests.
Donalene Rapada, CEO of Hiy̓ám̓ Housing, states, “We are confident that this work will bring many benefits to our People, including housing, culturally significant amenities, and sustainable economic development.”
The Nation emphasized that the development concepts would only proceed with the expressed support of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People through a land designation vote. Continued engagement with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh community will be a priority as the LDS initiative moves into its second phase.
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Media Inquiries
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Contact: media@squamish.net
Nch’ḵay̓ Contact: media@nchkay.com
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