PORT COQUITLAM AND kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (KWIKWETLEM) SIGN SERVICING AGREEMENT
Port Coquitlam, B.C. – Apr. 4, 2022 The City of Port Coquitlam and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation have reached a servicing agreement for a large future development off Pitt River Road.
Based on the agreement between the two governments, Port Coquitlam will provide water, sewage, fire, emergency response, stormwater management and flood protection for the first stage of development of Coquitlam IR #2 which is one of the reserve lands managed by kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation. As part of the Nation’s efforts to revitalize their language and culture, this land has been renamed by them to setɬamékmən, which means “when the tide is high we go.”
A detailed scope of services and costs will be determined after the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm conclude their Land Use Plan for this first phase of development which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
“We’re very pleased to have reached this positive first step in this historic servicing agreement – the first of its type for our two governments,” Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West said. “We’ll be continuing to work closely with the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm as they finalize their site plans, and we look forward to the benefits this development will bring to both of our communities. The servicing agreement represents just the beginning of our work together to build a better future for the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm and the people of Port Coquitlam.”
“kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation began its endeavours around 30 years to prepare some of its land for economic, cultural and housing purposes. Today, marks a huge step forward in our relationship with the City of Port Coquitlam as we are now able to work together on bringing back to life our ancient village site of setɬamékmən,” said Chief Ed Hall. “Our long-term goal over the next several years is to develop this land into a vibrant community that honours our ancestors, Elders and future generations; recognizes our rich culture and long history within our territory; protects the lands and environment, supports our people and our community and creates opportunities for future growth and prosperity for both our governments.”
A signing ceremony was held today at the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm’s slakəyánc site with representatives from the City of Port Coquitlam, First Nation and B.C.’s Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, which supported the development of the agreement.
“Coming together, learning about one-another, and creating relationships isn’t always easy but it is a key to a lasting partnership. I am encouraged by the significant efforts of Port Coquitlam and Kwikwetlem First Nation and confident this is the beginning of a strong relationship that will improve the lives of everyone in our community.” said Mike Farnworth, MLA for Port Coquitlam.
The agreement, will officially take effect once the first building permits are issued by the nation. Once the land use planning for the first stage of development of the property has been completed, the two governments will work together to identify the technical servicing requirements for the planned development. The costs associated with the servicing agreement will be detailed in capital works addendums which will be negotiated between kʷikʷəƛ̓əm and the City.
kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation has two reserve lands known as Coquitlam IR #1 (now called slakəyánc) which covers approximately 6.5 acres situated in Coquitlam BC. Their other reserve, Coquitlam IR #2 (now called setɬamékmən) is much larger and is located approximately 2.5 km upstream from slakəyánc in Port Coquitlam, B.C. This service agreement covers the first stage of development only of setɬamékmən, or approximately 30 acres of the total 202 acre site.
Since 2020, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm has conducted extensive consultation with their members on their long-term vision and plans for the development of setɬamékmən. The Land Use Plan for the site will most likely take place in several stages of development and over several years. Numerous ideas have come forward for this site including housing, a cultural centre, mixed commercial development and much more. The land offers the Nation and our members a place of connection and unity and a place where we can come together as a community and as families. The land offers opportunities for innovation, growth, employment, housing, education and prosperity for our Nation and our members.
For more information about the Land Use Planning Process for setɬamékmən (Coquitlam IR #2) visit the Planning section of kʷikʷəƛ̓əm website at kwikwetlem.com/
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For additional information, contact:
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel: 604.927.5499
Email: media@portcoquitlam.ca
Valerie Rosenthal
Senior Communications Specialist
kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation
Tel: 778.870-4211
Email: communications@kwikwetlem.com