Tsawwassen condo development opposed

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The Tswwassen First Nations, and its development company Tsatsu Shores Development Ltd., announced that construction of the first phase of its waterfront condominium project will commence immediately. The first phase of the condo development is already 60 per cent pre-sold, and will contain 84 luxury units situated on band property along the Tsawwassen ferry causeway, south of Vancouver.

The Tsatsu Shores project will ultimately include 320 condominiums, a 550-berth marina, a restaurant and pub, and a health club. The project is being carried out in partnership with Native Strategic Investments Inc., with financing from the Hongkong Bank of Canada. The marina will be paid for from funds raised by the sale of pre-paid 99- year leases on the first phase of the condominium development. It will be built on land leased from the province and will include a $2- million boardwalk to allow public beach access.

Unemployment among members of the Tsawwassen First Nation hovers around 80 per cent, so the band expects these projects to provide local jobs during and training for its people during and after construction.

"This project is just the first step in the economic development plans of the Tsawwassen First Nation, and will build a solid financial foundation for our people," Chief Sharon Bowcott said.

However, the project has faced opposition from the almost beginning. In early June, the Tsawwassen First Nation walked away from talks with the neighboring municipality of Delta aimed at securing full municipal services from the local government. Bowcott stated that Delta politicians were not negotiating in good faith. Moreover, the municipality was attempting to impose its zoning authority over the Tsatsu Shores project, despite the fact that the courts in B.C. have ruled that municipal bylaws do not apply to reserve lands. So, in the absence of an agreement with Delta, the band began the first phase of the project and has opted to supply its own fire, water and sewer services.

Backlash against the project began as soon as construction was under way. On Canada Day, more than 60 protesters showed up at the Tsawwassen Reserve to stage their own roadblock. Carrying placards that read "One Canada ? One Law," the protesters hurled insults at band members about welfare and taxes. The protesters were angry because they believed that the First Nation had circumvented federal environmental regulations by pushing ahead on a project that will house 14,000 people. The protesters' claims could not be farther from the truth, countered Bowcott. Federal environmental assessments have been conducted and, while 340 units were approved, only 280 units will be built. Furthermore, the project is expected to house 500 to 900 people, not 14,000 people.

According to Bowcott, the blockade was pure racism. For years, developers have come in and profited off First Nations' land, and non-Aboriginals didn't say a word.

"God forbid the Indians should attempt to bring their community out of oppression and poverty," Bowcott said. Furthermore, the protesters set up their roadblock on First Nation land without first notifying the band. She said Aboriginal groups who set up road blocks only use their own land and give fair warning to non-Aboriginals.

Quite simply, the Tsawwassen chief said, the protesters were trespassing.

Native Issues Monthly is a Vancouver-based research report on Native affairs and issues.