Forests
Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson and Squamish Nation Chief Gibby Jacob announced that the Squamish First Nation is purchasing 467 hectares (1,154 acres) of Crown land in the Squamish area from the Province for $16.275 million.
The land being purchased is five separate parcels in the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District. The Squamish Nation will seek to have the parcels created as Indian Reserve, subject to the federal Additions to Reserve policy.
Map of parcels (red = current reserve land, yellow = purchased parcels): http://flic.kr/p/aAGhoe
Quotes:
Joan McIntyre, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky -
"I am pleased to see that this land sale is going forward to assist the Squamish Nation in planning and building housing for their growing population. It should also represent a step forward in the relationship-building among neighbouring communities who have agreed to work together on land use planning and decision-making."
Key Facts:
- Total amount of land: 467 hectares consisting of five parcels for Additions to Reserve.
- Total sale price: $16.275 million.
- The five parcels are roughly equal to the amount of land taken for the Pacific Great Eastern Railway in 1913.
- These new areas will be part of the Squamish Nation's Community Development Plan.
Learn More:
Squamish Nation: http://squamish.net/
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations: www.nro.gov.bc.ca
A backgrounder follows.
Contact:
Cheekwan Ho
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261
BACKGROUNDER
Nov. 2, 2011 Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
Squamish Nation
Squamish Nation Land Purchase Overview
- Land value of the parcels was based on several factors including various land appraisals, timber value, gravel resource mapping, and detailed discussion between the Province and the Squamish Nation.
- Both parties agreed that the gross amount of $16.275 million was appropriate.
Parcel
(legal description in brackets) Surveyed Area (Hectares) Surveyed Area (Acres) Valleycliffe
(DL 8152) 42.4 104.77 Above Quest University
(Block A)
Note:
2 lots, but one legal parcel 222.32 549.36 Evans Lake
(Block B) 109.85 271.44 North Squamish
(Block L) 34.76 85.89 Cheakamus
(DL 8149) 57.92 143.12 TOTAL 467.25 1154.60
Contact:
Cheekwan Ho
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261
