Saskatoon to have its 8th urban reserve
- NC Raine | October 23, 2019
Saskatoon will soon feature its eighth urban reserve, as a result of an agreement between Kahkewistahaw First Nation and the City of Saskatoon.
A special signing ceremony took place Tuesday October 22nd at city council chambers between leaders of the City of Saskatoon, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, and the Board of Police Commissioners. The future First Nation's urban reserve land will be located at 1215 Claypool Drive, in the Hampton Village Business Park, south of the neighbouring John G. Diefenbaker airport.
“We firmly believe that economic development is where Kahkewistahaw’s sovereignty lies,” said Kahkewistahaw First Nation Chief Evan B.G. Taypotat. “We are pleased to come to an agreement with the City of Saskatoon on a proposed municipal service agreement.”
At Tuesday signing, Taypotat also announced that his First Nation plans on naming this property ‘Kahkewistahaw Eagles Landing’. The municipal service agreement (MSA) for the urban reserve was approved unanimously by city council on September 30th.
Taypotat shared his enthusiasm for the opportunities this urban reserve will bring for Kahkewistahaw and for Saskatoon itself.
“If we can make jobs, we employ our people. If we employ our people, they make money. If a person has money for their family, they have opportunity. If they have opportunity, then we leave the affect of residential school in the past,” he said.
“That is the vision we will proceed with at Kahkewistahaw Eagles Landing. We are excited that there will be numerous possibilities for all the people who call Saskatoon home.”
The agreement between Kahkewistahaw, Saskatoon, and the Board of Police Commissioners addresses municipal and police services that the city will provide, and compatible land-use and development standards. The agreement also states that Kahkewishahaw First Nation will pay the city service fees in lieu of property taxes.
When the property transfers to reserve status after approval from the federal government, it is no longer under city jurisdiction.
“Creating a new urban reserve in Saskatoon is a sign of strength for our city,” said Mayor Charlie Clark.
“We can be proud as a community that the Kahkewistahaw First Nation saw opportunity in Saskatoon for a partnership and committed to work with the city to spur investment and opportunity. Urban reserves forge new relationships and stimulate growth.”
Kahkewistahaw First Nation represents approximately 2,100 Cree band members: around 670 on reserve and 1,350 residing in other communities in Saskatchewan.