Government of Canada supports Economic Development in Tsleil-Waututh Nation

News release

August 24, 2020 — Ottawa, Traditional Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada

The Government of Canada is working in partnership with First Nations to support community-driven economic development projects that will help build healthier, more sustainable communities.

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, congratulated Tsleil-Waututh Nation for beginning the construction of Apex Village, a multi-tenant commercial business park. The Government of Canada provided $2.8 million through Indigenous Services Canada’s Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) to support costs for Phase 1 of the development, which will extend road access and water and sewer servicing to Apex Village.

Once completed, Apex Village will provide full servicing to 10.6 acres of land for commercial uses, generating both economic development and employment opportunities. Long-term benefits will also include revenue generated through leases, sales and partnerships, new business spin offs, and improved infrastructure.

Quotes

“Indigenous businesses are the backbone of communities across the country and an important part of the Canadian economy. Canada is pleased to support projects like Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s Apex Village, which create jobs and strengthen local economies. Congratulations to Chief Leah George-Wilson and Tsleil-Waututh Nation on beginning the construction of this project.”

The Honourable Marc Miller , P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

“This partnership provides an opportunity for Tsleil-Waututh to further our journey of self-sufficiency and economic prosperity, for the benefit of present and future generations. Through a community-based planning approach, we strive to preserve Tsleil-Waututh values in our land and business development activities, to ensure we make decisions that sustain and strengthen our culture and community.”

Chief Leah George-Wilson
Tsleil-Waututh Nation

"The Apex Village project will create good jobs and contribute to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s growing economy. Our government is focused on working together with our Indigenous partners to support and invest in sustainable projects that benefit local communities."

Terry Beech, MP
Burnaby North—Seymour

Quick facts

  • Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s traditional territory encompasses a majority of the Lower Mainland region, Howe Sound, and the Squamish Valley. The Nation has approximately 580 members, of which nearly half live on reserve.

  • Apex Village is located on Burrard Inlet IR 3 in the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia.

  • Tsleil-Waututh Nation anticipates the development will create 44 full-time jobs and one spin-off business, generating estimated economic benefits of nearly $43 million over eight years.

  • Tsleil-Waututh Nation has secured an agreement with an anchor tenant for the Apex Village.

  • The road and services for the first phase will be complete in early 2021.

  • In 2016-2017, ISC funded components of the design, engineering and planning work for Apex Village (called Apex Neighborhood at the time) through $200,000 in CORP funding.

  • CORP funding helps First Nations and Inuit communities develop business plans, expand existing Indigenous-led businesses, and launch new Indigenous-led start-ups.

Associated links

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Vanessa Adams
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services
343-543-7645

Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
SAC.media.ISC@canada.ca

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