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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
VANCOUVER
– B.C. and the Lil’wat First Nation
have signed an agreement allowing the Province to widen the Sea-to-Sky Highway
through portions of the Lil’wat claimed
traditional territory, while enabling the Lil’wat to
pursue employment, training and economic development opportunities.
“This
agreement is a great example of successfully partnering to bring better
infrastructure, more jobs and better economic opportunities to First Nations,”
said Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon. “I’m pleased that we’ve been able to
work with the Lil’wat First Nation so they can take advantage of the
opportunities along the sea-to-sky corridor.”
The
existing two-lane highway will be widened and the agreement will give the
Province certainty that the portion of the Sea-to-Sky Highway that runs through
Lil’wat traditional territory will be free from any rights and interest claims
by the First Nation.
In return, B.C.
will transfer 600 acres of Crown land valued at $9.5 million to the Lil’wat,
along with an option for the First Nation to purchase a further 600 acres
within 10 years of signing the final agreement at current market value. As
well, the Lil’wat will receive $1 million toward employment training and advice
on joint ventures to help increase economic opportunities for the First Nation.
“This agreement is
about securing the future for the Lil'wat people,” said Lil'wat Chief Leonard
Andrew. “It will allow our people to pursue jobs, receive training and take
advantage of greater economic opportunities.”
“This agreement will help
B.C. move forward with construction of the Sea-to-Sky Highway by 2009,” said
West Vancouver-Garibaldi MLA Joan McIntyre. “It also provides certainty along
the Sea-to-Sky corridor, assuring investor confidence for the communities in
this region and the long-term safety and security of this vital highway link.”
The
Province is investing $600 million to improve the highway, increase safety and
meet the increasing travel demands of population growth. The Sea-to-Sky Highway
Improvement Project includes widening, straightening, passing lanes, improving
sightlines, and other measures to improve the highway’s safety, capacity and
reliability. The project will be completed by fall of 2009.
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contact: |
Communications Director Ministry of Transportation 250 387-7787 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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