building our future - squamish.net · no.1 - drainage study feasibility $1,000,000 • identify...

Squamish Nation Housing and Capital ProjectsBuilding our Future looks at our achievements and approaches to Nation building. It is the beginning of an important planning process for us to create a vision of community buildings that best serve our present and future generations.

SQUAMISH NATIONHOUSING & CAPITAL PROJECTS

193 Mathias Road * West Vancouver, B.C. * V7P 1P6

published by Squamish Nation Housing and Capital Projects October 2009

Seymour Creek, 2009

Skwetsimeltxw W. (Buddy) Joseph Department Head, Housing and Capital Projects

Eslha7án, 1886

Future

Photo credit: City of Vancouver Archives, SGN 1460 Norman Caple, Photographer

Eslha7án, 2009

Ch’ích’elxwikw, 1886

Photo credit: City of Vancouver Archives, # Out P92



“MISSION INDIAN VILLAGE, 1886”Photo credit: City of Vancouver Archives, SGN 1460

Norman Caple, Photographer

The Story of the Eslha7án

“Skwxwú7mesh sníchim, our Squamish language name translates this placename as ‘up against it’. It comes from the way our People traveled. Seen from a canoe, this site, a beautiful flat bay, extended, it seemed, to the foot of Ch’ich’iyúy / the Sisters / the Lions Mountains.1”

In 1860, Colonel Moody of the Royal Engineers feared that increased raids against other Tribes threatened the security of white settlers in the region. Colonel Moody blamed the Squamish for instigating much of the conflict and threatened “to wipe out the entire Squamish Tribe with gunfire2” unless the raids stopped.

Chief Snatt took Colonel Moody’s threats to heart and applied for a plot of land in what is now North Vancouver. Colonel Moody, also the Chief Commissioner of Land and Works, submitted this application in May of 1862. The site chosen by Chief Snatt became the Squamish settlement known as Eslha7án.

The story of Chief Snatt highlights the tradition of community planning our people continue to employ. From negotiating services for running water to building community recreation centres, we have worked hard to develop our community. Let’s continue the commitment to build our future.

1. Campbell, Vanessa. Skwxwú7mesh Sníchim NexwsUtsáylh. Correspondence by email, October 2, 2009. 2. Paull, Andrew, untitled article, Oblate Missions (Dec. 1950 – Mar. 1951) 7-10. Oblate Archives, Vancouver, Box

47 – “St. Pauls Church,” file 4 – “history.”

What is your vision?

www.squamish.net/capitalprojects

Table of ContentsCapital Projects Vision pg. 1

Nation Planning to Date pg. 2

Capital Project Successes pg. 3

Environmental Site Assessment pg. 3

Capital Funding Submissions pg. 4

Concept to Completion pg. 4

Aerial Maps of Inhabited Reserve Land

Eslha7án Mission IR No. 1 pg. 5Ch’ích’elxwikw Seymour Creek IR No.2 pg. 7Xwmélch’tstn Capilano IR No.5 pg. 9Chʼiyáḵmesh Cheakamus IR No.11 pg. 11Yekwápsem Yekwaupsum IR No.18 pg. 12Wíw̓ḵ’em Waiwakum IR No.14 pg. 13Siy̓ích’em Seaichem IR No.16 pg. 14Kyawtín Kowtain IR No.17 pg. 15Chʼḵw’elhp Chekwelp IR Nos. 26 & 26A pg. 16 St’á7mes Stawamus IR No. 24 pg. 17

Squamish Nation Traditional Territory pg. 19

Development Options pg. 20

Chxwut Temxw Ti Uxwumx ATR Map pg. 21

Community Info Session Survey Results pg. 22

Membership Survey pg. 23

Published November 2009 by:Squamish Nation Housing and Capital Projects 193 Mathias Road, West Vancouver, V7P1P6 Phone: 604 904 7474 Fax: 604 904 7499Toll Free: 1 877 611 7474

Publication by Michelle Lorna Nahanee with special thanks to Chepximiya Siyam Chief Janice George, Chrystal Nahanee, GIS & Research Officer, Jonathon Ng, Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd., Squamish Nation Intergovernmental Relations Department, and Squamish Nation Language and Education Department



Squamish people are strong negotiators. We have moved through hard times and great times with thoughts of our Elders and our future generations. The Nation we have built, through the strengths of our ancestors, is rich in land, culture and monetary wealth.

As we continue to grow, our community will need to make decisions about the types of infrastructure we want to invest in. From community buildings to road upgrades, Squamish Nation Housing and Capital Projects wants to hear what you think.

This publication is the beginning of a community consultation process with membership, staff, department heads and Chiefs and Council that we hope will inspire you to get involved in planning for the future of our Nation.


pg. 1 Building Our Future

Capital Projects Vision“ What are the possibilities for our people 100 years from now?”

As our revenue base grows and membership increases, we need to have a community plan in place. A living document that adjusts according to our needs and resources. A plan envisioned by our people that allows us to have “on-the-shelf” project proposals available for funding opportunities.

Whether you get involved by joining a committee, or participating in community dialogues, you have a say in designing the future of our Nation. Stay tuned for information in print and online about how to have your voice heard. Capital Projects would like to hear your community building ideas.

What do you think our community needs now? What do you think our future needs will be?

Capital projects are construction projects including community buildings, roads, street improvements, lighting, parks, and their improvement or rehabilitation.

Examples of capital projects are:

• Adult Care Centre • Community Kitchen• Community Arts Centre • Homeless Shelter• Post Secondary Institute • Archives• Women’s Shelter • Arena / Fitness Centre• Aboriginal Justice • Works Yard• Administration Space • High School

Our goal is to consult with Members in order to compile a list of building needs. We look forward to working with Nation members, staff, department heads and Chiefs and Council to prioritize the list and plan our future.

Share your thoughts on Capital Projects & Win a 42-inch Television!

There is a survey at the back of this book that can be pulled out, completed and dropped off at the Housing and Capital Projects office. You can also fax it to: 604 904 7499. On December 14, we will draw one of the surveys and the winner will receive a 42-inch flat screen TV just in time for Christmas.

Chepximiya Siyam Chief Janice George

Survey on pg. 23*

*

Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw Housing and Capital Projects pg. 2

On July 23, 1923, our community formally signed an agreement that notified the Canadian federal government that we were, and always would be, one Band/Nation. It was “for the good government of the members.”1 “Skwxwú7mesh úxwumixw, the Squamish People, ensured by this Amalgamation document that we would always be treated as one.”2

Since that time we have secured profitable leases, negotiated water rights and successfully fought to have lands returned to us. We have developed land for residential and commercial purposes. We have built cultural, recreational and educational facilities.

The Nation, assisted by professionals including engineers, planners, consultants and community-based committees, developed two fundamental planning documents Squamish Nation Physical Development Plan (PDP) and the Capilano Master Plan.

The PDP began in July 1992 with the purpose to “provide guidance to band membership regarding the direction of future development on the Reserves.”3 Community input was gathered through committees, community forums and family dinner meetings.

In 2004, the Capilano Master Plan was created as a guiding document for future land use. A Master Plan Committee was appointed by Council to work with UMA in collaboration with other firms. “It can be used as the foundation for more detailed Council policies and resolutions.”4

1. Agreement and Petition of the Squamish Tribe, 23 July 1923. RG10 v11079 file * Squamish Part C.

2. Campbell, Vanessa. Skwxwú7mesh Sníchim NexwsUtsáylh. Correspondence by email, October 2, 2009.

3. Squamish Nation Physical Development Plan Phase One Inventory Portfolio pg. I-1, UMA Engineering Ltd., January 1994.

4. Squamish Nation Capilano Master Plan, prepared by UMA Engineering Ltd. December 2004.

Aerial view of Capilano Reserve, 1926photo source: page 8, Squamish Nation Capilano Master Plan, prepared by UMA Engineering, December 2004

Aerial view of Capilano Reserve, 2009photo credit: Squamish Nation Intergovernmental Relations Department

Nation Planning to Date


Xweme’lch’stn Estimxwawtxw SchoolCapital Project Successes

The total value of INAC funding secured by the Housing and Capital Projects department in the last ten years exceeds $13,500,000 (excluding housing). We have been successful in continued infrastructure funding because we are ready with “on the shelf ” projects and are able to apply as soon as funds become available. Completion of the projects are facilitated by funding from both the Nation and INAC. Shifts in federal funding priorities also have an effect on project completion.

Successful Squamish Nation capital projects funded by INAC include: • Seymour River Bank Protection Works• Mission Infrastructure Upgrade• Parcel G Subdivision – Phases 1, 2 and 3• Parcel G – Phase 4 funding submission for detailed

design is currently being prepared• Capilano River Flood and Erosion Works• East of Mathias Road Infrastructure Upgrade –

detailed design currently underway• Xweme’lch’stn Estimxwawtxw School – Phase 1

complete, Phase 2 at feasibility stage• Waiwakum Subdivision Infrastructure and

20 Serviced Lots

Wíw̓ḵ’em Subdivision

Xweme’lch’stn Estimxwawtxw School was completed in 2 years, even though an INAC-funded capital project can take up to 7 years barring any complications. With the PDP and support of the people, the Housing and Capital projects department was able to quickly complete the submission and secure $2,306,140 from INAC.

Environmental Site Assessment

All on-reserve developments go through an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) process which includes:

• ESA Phase One: Historical Review: environmental reports, species-at-risk, archeological assessment, water testing, previous uses of the land.

• ESA Phase Two: Soil Testing: if Historical Review shows potential contamination, test holes will be drilled to search for “hot spots.”

• ESA Phase Three: Remediation: contaminated materials are removed before any development can start. Soil will be replaced and any unnatural matter will be removed.

Two sets of soil quality criteria are used to assess the quality of soil including guidelines established by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) and the Special Waste Regulation under the B.C. Waste Management Act (the SWR).


Capital Funding Submissions

The Housing and Capital Projects department completes three rounds for every INAC capital funding submission. Each step requires separate approval and funding. When one round is complete and documentation filed, then the next round’s approval is applied for. Round 1 – feasibility Round 2 – detailed design Round 3 - construction

It is important to note that INAC ultimately decides which capital projects they will fund. The process usually takes 2 to 7 years.Capital projects INAC considers fundable include:

Physical Planning Subdivision and Lot Servicing Drinking Water Wastewater Roads and Drainage Flood and Erosion Hazard Protection Community Buildings

Funding Applications in ProcessProject Name Status Total Project Cost Secured funding

Capilano I.R. No. 5 - East of Mathias Road Infrastructure Upgrade

Construction $2,200,000 $200,000 (design)

Capilano I.R. No. 5 - Parcel G Phase 4 Subdivision Design $3,750,000

Stawamus I.R. No. 24 - Subdivision and Infrastructure Design $3,014,536

Capilano I.R. No. 5 - Addition to School Feasibility $3,500,000

Mission I.R. No.1 - Drainage Study Feasibility $1,000,000

• Identify capital project requirements, develop proposal• Confirm project is in accordance with the Physical

Development Plan, determine feasibility• Identify funding sources, develop proposal• Prepare submission, detailed design, apply for funding• Tender contractor, write contracts• Manage supplies, critical path, project implementation• Comply with reporting requirements • Work with Squamish Nation Council, Squamish

Nation Registry Department, BERC (Burrard Environmental Review Committee), DFO (Department of Fisheries and Oceans), Environment Canada, Health Canada, as well as local Municipalities

• Report back to Chiefs and Council• Report to INAC including engineering and inspection

reports that project meets industry standards

Concept to Completion

East of Mathias

Capilano River, before Flood and Erosion Work

Capilano River, completed 2002

pg. 19 Building Community Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Squamish Nation Capital Projects pg. 20

Squamish Nation Traditional Territory


Development Options

Housing has been a priority for the Squamish Nation leadership and membership for some time. A letter written on 3 July 1968 by, then Co-chair of Council, Simon Baker to the Director of Indian Affairs suggests a plan for regional economic development to address the problems of “insufficient and low standard housing on the Squamish reserves”.1 He went on to say that revenues from development on existing reserves could “be used in part for the acquiring and construction of land and new homes.”2

In 1970, the first housing department was formalized with Late Chief Joe Mathias as the first department head. There was a motion set at a general meeting on September 14, 19753 to build a set number of houses per year from Nation revenues. Prior to that, Members paid for their own homes.

Although there are twenty-four Squamish reserves, there is a limited amount of developable area remaining on them. The current studies of the land suggest that there are approximately 437 lots remaining using existing densities. The remaining residential lot locations are Capilano - 196, Waiwakum - 17 and Chekwelp - 74. There has not been a full study on creating a subdivision on Cheekye, but based on the current ratio of lots per acre, there could be an additional 150 homes on that reserve.

1. Quote from Chief Simon Baker provided by Squamish Nation Intergovernmental Relations Department. Correspondence by email, October 13, 2009.

2. Quote from Chief Simon Baker provided by Squamish Nation Intergovernmental Relations Department. Correspondence by email, October 13, 2009.

3. Chief Bill Williams. Personal Conversation. October 21, 2009

Much of our land base in the Squamish Valley is within a flood plain and needs a dyke, making development costs prohibitive. INAC has been reluctant to provide the funding for the infrastructure including community septic field, water reservoir, water lines, sewer lines and storm sewer. In other words, we can’t access infrastructure funding without a dyke. And we can’t access funding for the dyke because there is nothing to protect. We are working on a solution to fund the dyke so we can develop residential lots.

Fortunately, we also have Additions to Reserve (ATR) options to consider. For example, we will be acquiring land in the Squamish Valley and adding it to reserve. We are also working with our neighbours, the Tsleil Waututh, to acquire lands on the North Shore and add it to reserve. These lands will provide an opportunity for Squamish people to live together in a community.

The Nation has been pursuing the acquisition of lands to be added to reserve for several years now. The due diligence work conducted on the proposed parcels suggests that the ATR lands could house over twenty thousand (20,000) people. The Housing and Capital Projects Department will be working closely with Intergovernmental Relations, Natural Resource and Revenue Department to transition these lands into our reserve base and to identify the capital projects required to support member residential communities.


Chxwut Temxw Ti Uxwumx (Adding on Lands to a Village)Additions to Reserve (ATR) Map

Parcel 7

Parcel 2a

Site B

Mortenson

Parcel 6

Parcel 3

IR 18

IR 13 & 14

IR 11C

Legend Proposed Additions to Reserve Lands

IR Rationalization

Existing SN Reserve Lands

STAWAMUS RIVER

SQUAMISH RIVER

District of SquamishBoundary


Community Info Session Survey ResultsThe community information sessions survey from October 18 to 24 was successful

in gathering a wide range of great suggestions for community buildings. Here are some of the ideas!

We will publish exact quantities for each of the suggestions in an upcoming newsletter and on our website. Many members were also wanting to share their reasons for their suggestions and we would like to hear it. Complete the survey on the next page and have your voice heard.

50+ Housing

Admin Building

Admin Offices in Squamish

Affordable Daycare

Alcohol and Drug Centre

All Nation School

Amphitheatre

Animal Shelter/ Veterinarian

Apartment Buildings

Art Centre

Artist Co-op

Arts and Drama Centre

Assisted Living House

Before/After School Care

Bingo Hall

Boxing/Martial Arts

Boys and Girls Club

Cabins for Summer

Canoe Launch Ambleside

Carving Shed

Change Rooms At Field

Child and Family Services Building

Co-op Housing

College

Community Co-op Store

Community Hall for Membership

Counseling Centre

Crafts Room

Crisis Centre

Cultural Centre

Cultural Research Building

Cultural Training Centre

Daycare for St’á7mes

Dental Clinic

Detox Centre

Disability Housing

Duplexes

Education

Elder’s Centre

Elder’s Rest Home

Elder’s Village (Squamish Valley)

Family Centre

Fire Hall

First Nations Farmers Market

Foster Homes

Gardens

Gathering Place/ Restaurant

General Store

Green Buildings

Green way Walks and Bike Routes

Group Home

Gym for Youth

Healing Centre

Health Clinic

High Rise

High School

Hockey Arena

Home Care

Homeless Shelter

Hospital

Ice Rink

Improved Roads

Indoor Children’s Playground

Indoor Sports

Jr. Elder Housing

Lacrosse Arena

Lacrosse Box Squamish Valley

Language Building

Learning from Elders Centre for Youth

Library / Education Resource Centre

Lights for Fields

Long Term Care

Low Income Housing

Medical Clinic

Men’s Shelter

Mental Health Centre

Middle School

Movie Theatre

Museum in North Van

Native Restaurant

New Eslha7án Building

Parent Advisory/ Communication Centre

Playground with Swings

Pow Wow Dance Gazebo

Preteen Centre

Professional Dance Studio

Recording Studio

Recovery Home

Recreation Centre with Weight Room

Recycling

Safe House

Single Parent Complex

Single Person’s Condos

Sober Living Home

Soccer/Baseball Field in Squamish

Spirit Dancer Longhouse

Sports Rec Centre

Student Housing

Subsidized Housing

Swimming Pool

Ta’a7h Lodge

Theatre

Track Field with Flood Lights

Traditional Harvesting

Transition House

Treatment Centre

Turf Soccer Field

Tutoring / Study Centre

Weaving House

Women’s Centre

Women’s Shelter

Youth Co-op Housing

Youth Cultural Centre

Youth Safe House


Membership Priorities and Preferences SurveyWhat community buildings do you think we need as tools to realize our full potential? Culturally, spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally?

With a lessening land base, many members are suggesting we build density housing. What types of housing options do you think we need? Why?

Would you live in? ___ Multiplex ___ Townhouse ___ Apartment ___ Co-op ___ ________________

Where would you live? ___ Chekwelp ___ Squamish ___ Seymour ___ Capilano ___ ________________

What financing options would you consider? ___ Self funded ___ Cooperative ___ Nation funded ___ Subsidized

Include Your Contact Information to Enter the Draw for a 42-inch TV! Draw to be held on December 14, 2009 at the Housing and Capital Projects Office.

Name:__________________________ Phone:_________________________

Email:___________________________________________________________

Please drop off at the Housing and Capital Projects office or Fax to 604 904 7499 Attn.: Buddy

Squamish Nation Housing and Capital ProjectsBuilding our Future looks at our achievements and approaches to Nation building. It is the beginning of an important planning process for us to create a vision of community buildings that best serve our present and future generations.



published by Squamish Nation Housing and Capital Projects October 2009

Seymour Creek, 2009


Eslha7án, 1886

Future

Photo credit: City of Vancouver Archives, SGN 1460 Norman Caple, Photographer

Eslha7án, 2009

Ch’ích’elxwikw, 1886

Photo credit: City of Vancouver Archives, # Out P92



building our future - squamish.net · no.1 - drainage study feasibility $1,000,000 • identify...

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