The Stz’uminus First Nation and its economic development arm, Coast Salish Group, hope to take over water leases in Ladysmith Harbour on Dec. 31 in what they see as the first step toward a mini Granville Island-style development.
It’s too soon to say when the project will start because the requirements and cost of seabed remediation work linked to the past coal industry are still to be fully clarified, Ray Gauthier, chief executive of the Coast Salish Group, said Tuesday.
Transfers of water leases from the province are contained in a reconciliation agreement signed with the nation last year. The harbour is important historically and culturally to the Stz’uminus nation, which has 1,350 members.
Stz’uminus First Nation Chief John Elliott said that this will be “a coming home” after land was taken when First Nations were moved to reserves.
The nation will take over water leases and some land leases, he said.
“This is a significant milestone in the long journey of reconciliation for the Stz’uminus people,” Elliott said.
“Our ancestors lived on this land, thus Ladysmith Harbour has great significance to our community. This sets the stage for making things right.
“We embrace the economic and recreational opportunities at Ladysmith Harbour to build a sustainable future for current and future generations.”
Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone said the town, which holds land upland from the harbour, and nation have “shared priorities.”
“We look forward with great anticipation to working with Stz’uminus as we continue to advance the waterfront area plan together, working as one,” Stone said.
The long-term mixed-use plan envisions development between Slag Point to the federal wharf.
Plans call for about 1,200 boat houses, slips, moorage and commercial-retail space on the water leases. The development is aligned with the town’s current waterfront area plan, the nation said.
More details will be released in the coming months, it said.
The reconciliation agreement provides for $10 million for the nation to remediate the seabed which is topped by coal dust, Gauthier said. Coal-mining was a major industrial activity in Ladysmith and other nearby Vancouver Island communities, including Cumberland and Nanaimo.
At this stage, it is not known what level of remediation the Ministry of Environment wants to see and how much it may cost, Gauthier said. The nation hopes to get a certificate of compliance from the province.
Everyone benefits from remediation, Gauthier said. “We want to be seen corporately as good stewards.”
The nation does not like the fact that an area of such significance is in its current condition, he said.
Depending on potential costs, the nation may ask the federal government to match the province’s contribution for remediation, he said.
At year’s end, the nation plans to take on and operate the existing community marina located on the water lots.
The marina is currently operated by the non-profit Ladysmith Maritime Society, set up more than 30 years ago.
Water leases are owned by the province and were leased to the town, which had a separate agreement with the Maritime Society to manage and operate the community marina. The society’s agreement with the town was to allow it to use the area until 2029.
But in November 2022, after the reconciliation agreement was signed, the town gave the society notice to move out in December this year.
The society does not want to leave. Community members have rallied in the hopes of the society being permitted to remain in place. The marina has boaters and live-aboard tenants, and is a popular spot for summer visitors.
Society members are disappointed that they have to move after decades of building up the facility, serving local mariners and visitors.
Society president Kelly Daniels said it still hopes to work with the First Nation to operate the marina.
“We think we would be a great partner with them.”
Daniels said it was disappointing to learn of the recent announcement from the nation without any notice or discussion with the society.
It estimates infrastructure assets worth $5 million. Gauthier said the province told the nation that the infrastructure accompanies the water lot leases.
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