Sea-to-Sky Highway agreement for Land and Money

[Squamish Nation-BC Deal]

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Sept. 12, 2008
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

B.C. & SQUAMISH FIRST NATION SIGN SEA-TO-SKY AGREEMENT


VANCOUVER – A historic agreement has been finalized today between British Columbia and the Squamish First Nation, announced Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Kevin Falcon.

The agreement allows the Province to widen the Sea-to-Sky Highway through portions of the Squamish claimed traditional territory, while enabling the Squamish to pursue economic development opportunities created by the Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project and the 2010 Winter Games.

“This agreement opens the door to more jobs, training, and valuable economic opportunities for the Squamish First Nation along the Sea-to-Sky corridor,” said Falcon. “It also creates certainty for communities along the highway, as our government works to improve the long-term safety and efficiency of the Sea-to-Sky for local residents and travellers.”

The agreement includes the transfer of 600 acres of Crown land to the Squamish First Nation (with the 2004 appraised value of $7.2 million). The Squamish First Nation will also have the option to purchase an additional 600 acres of Crown land within five to 10 years of signing the final agreement at 2004 appraised value of $4.6 million. $9.75 million will be transferred for land acquisition, as well as to compensate for any direct impacts of the highway upgrade to First Nation lands along the route. In addition, the Squamish First Nation will receive $1.25 million for training, employment, and advice on joint ventures to increase business opportunities.

“The Sea-to-Sky Agreement is the Province’s recognition of our Aboriginal rights and title,” said Chief Gibby Jacob. “We are happy that our people will receive benefits from the highway upgrade. This agreement highlights our joint commitment to increase training and employment for our people, and to generate economic sustainability for future generations.”

“The Squamish First Nation was a valued partner in upgrading the safety of this highway – a highway that links our communities up the Sea-to-Sky Corridor,” said West Vancouver-Garibaldi MLA Joan McIntyre, who also serves as Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations. “This project has created benefits and opportunities for the First Nation, helping build capacity in the community.”

On Dec. 15, 2006, B.C. and the Lil’wat First Nation signed a similar agreement. These agreements give the Province certainty that the entire length of the existing and improved Sea-to-Sky Highway, approximately 135 km, will be free from any rights and interest claims by the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations. The agreements also secure tenure where the existing highway crosses reserve land and secure access to First Nations land that is needed for the Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project.


Through the Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement project, the Province is increasing safety, reliability, and capacity on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, which links communities from West Vancouver to Whistler. The project includes highway widening and straightening for improved sightlines. With added passing lanes and other design innovations, hazards will be reduced and capacity increased. When improvements are completed in 2009, travel will be safer and more reliable for residents, commuters and visitors.

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