The Squamish Nation has a substantial role in the Oceanfront Lands development.
The Nation entered into a partnership with Sqomish Sea to Sky Developments Limited Partnership, to participate in the development of the waterfront, according to Squamish Nation hereditary Chief Ian Campbell.
Through the partnership the Nation gains some control and influence over the development, revenues to be used for programs and services to benefit Nation members, as well as employment, training and contracting opportunities for members, he said.
“These lands were turned into private lands without the Squamish Nation’s consent,” said Campbell, adding the waterfront property is in the heart of Squamish Nation un-ceded territory.
“It would be a complicated exercise for the Squamish Nation to have these lands returned to them as the courts have not been clear on whether private lands are included in aboriginal title claims.”
Mayor Patricia Heintzman said while the Nation wasn’t directly involved with the district in the recently completed sale of the Oceanfront Lands to Newport Beach Developments, the Nation has an important role in the success of the 20-year build-out.
“They are crucial in making that a world-class destination and giving it that value-added aspect to it,” she said. “I think that is what is going to make it extraordinary.”
Campbell said one of his key messages with local governments as well as the province is the fact developments in which the Nation is involved can be win-win.
“Where the local communities will benefit from a quality product, a quality development that invigorates the local economy,” he said. “That it is not just all about the Squamish Nation, but it is about us together building our towns, our communities, while providing meaningful employment opportunities for our members and others.”
The Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation (SODC), a corporation of the District of Squamish, officially sold the Oceanfront Lands Feb. 3 to Newport Beach Development for $15 million, construction of a $10 million park, other community amenities and a public art contribution of $150,000. Phone and email messages to Newport Beach Developments by The Squamish Chief were not returned.
