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‘A STRONG FUTURE’
Squamish Nation approves 25-year development plan ABBY LUCIANO
aluciano@nsnews.com Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is one step closer to reaching their ambitious development goals for the North Shore and Squamish areas following the approval of a wide-sweeping plan for Nation lands.
The Squamish Nation council recently approved the first phase of its land development strategies plan, putting the focus on two sites on the North Shore and one in Squamish. Each site will honour the Nation’s history while also offering housing, economic development and community amenities, said Squamish Nation council member Sxwíxwtn (Wilson Williams), adding that the plan aims to create 600 homes over the next 25 years. The land development strategies aim to align both current and future Squamish Nation needs while reflecting cultural and ancestral significance, a press release reads. Details released by the nation give a blueprint for the plans for each of the three sites. Xwmélch’sten (Capilano 5 Reserve) This site lies on Marine Drive alongside the Capilano Reserve near Lions Gate Bridge in West Vancouver and North Van, and will have mixed-use market residential developments, Nation housing and a new administrative and community services centre with green spaces throughout. Williams said Xwmélch’sten will be a community and services hub for the Squamish Nation, something that they have been envisioning for a long time. Continued on A18
Squamish Nation council member Sxwíxwtn (Wilson Williams) stands outside the Nation’s main administration office on the Seymour River. Wilson says he is excited by the Nation’s recently announced development plans. ABBY LUCIANO / NSN
NORT TH SHORE’S
ATER HEA STORE S ON COLD DAYS WITH STAY COZY O PORTABLE HEATERS S & CONVECTION HEATERS