SASKATOON — The city and the Pelican Lake First Nation signed an agreement designating 1944 - St. George Ave. as an urban reserve in a special ceremony held last week at the city council chambers.
The urban reserve that will be designated as First Nation land is located at the site of Adam’s Lumber.
Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark, Pelican Lake First Nation Chief Peter Bill and their council, and Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners Chair Jyotsna (Jo) Custead signed the urban reserve agreement.
Clark said the purchase of the land that was the former site of historic Adams Lumber creates a new chapter for business for the city and the province.
“I have been impressed with Chief Bill and his council for creating opportunity in the lumber and building industry. I’m grateful that they have chosen to invest in Saskatoon. The continued establishment of urban reserves in our city helps build opportunities for everyone into the future,” said Clark.
The city council approved the Municipal Services, and Compatibility Agreement negotiated with Pelican Lake First Nation during its meeting Nov. 21, with the board of police commissioners also certifying the Police Services Agreement, both of which fulfill the municipal requirements for urban reserve designation.
The agreements will address municipal and police services the city will provide, service fees Pelican Lake First Nation will pay the city instead of property taxes and compatible land-use and development standards.
Bill said the agreement they signed with the city and the board of police commissioners is a significant achievement as they are honoured with the gesture of accepting them with open arms and working with the Pelican Lake First Nation.
“This is just the beginning of our engagement with the city to create opportunities for our urban band members. During these times in which we are all attentive to truth and reconciliation and healing, we look forward to our participation in the economy and life in Saskatoon as a path to building strong and positive relationships. We are here to do business and commit to active participation in Saskatoon as we move forward together,” said Bill.
The federal government makes decisions on reserve designation. Once the property is designated as a reserve, it will become the ninth urban reserve in Saskatoon. When a property transfers to reserve status, it is no longer under city jurisdiction.
For more information on urban reserves, please visit saskatoon.ca/urbanreserves.
Pelican Lake First Nation is a member of the Agency Chiefs Tribal Council whose home reserve is located on Chitek Lake, approximately 270 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon. A signatory of Treaty No. 6, about 1,277 members reside on the home reserve, and 416 members live in other communities throughout the province.
