'i' cun 'uw 'i': Snuneymuxw Community Planning

Yes. The designated lands will not lose reserve status. They will remain part of our reserve and are only leased for certain purposes and for limited periods of time. 

The designation vote applies to 102 acres of the 197. These lands are proposed for mixed-use development. The 102 acres include all of the lanes below the highway, plus 13 acres above the highway. 

100% of funds will directly benefit Snuneymuxw. Every penny PDG receives as a profit is audited and goes directly back to our Nation.

For example, profits from PDG fund our monthly Sulxween 65+ Elder Payments of $250 a month, our firewood distribution program, community maintenance and cleanups and scholarships and bursaries. As profits increase, like they will from the te’tuxwtun development, we will bring in more money, and can do a lot more!

Petroglyph Development Group (PDG) is our Nation’s team that focuses on business and economic development. PDG is 100% owned by our Nation, and its goals are guided by our members’ priorities.

All Snuneymuxw members can request access to PDG financial summaries by emailing info@petroglyphdg.com.

●​ Over the past 2.5 years, we have gathered feedback from Snuneymuxw members on this ~25-acre portion of te’tuxwtun land.

●​ We heard that a mixed-use development was the number one priority for our Nation. A place where it is easy for members to get around, and that includes housing, small business opportunities, commercial, an entertainment district and more.

●​ After hearing your ideas, we are now bringing this member-informed, mixed-use plan to our members for approval.

• Spaces for member businesses and entrepreneurial opportunities are a part of our community vision for te’tuxwtun.
• Voting “yes” to mixed-use will also include opportunities for residential, commercial, entertainment, light industrial and more. 

• PDG will help build opportunities on this section of te’tuxwtun land by managing and operating construction sites, ensuring the Land is cared for.
• In the past, some Nations have entered into a head-lease with private companies. For example, the Squamish Nation decided to lease a portion of its lands to Park Royal.
• We would like to ensure our Nation continues to manage this Land by entering into a headlease with our own Petroglyph Development Group.

In order for Snuneymuxw to lease a part of our Reserve Lands to our own PDG, the Indian Act requires that this land be designated first. 

Designated lands are lands that members of Snuneymuxw have agreed to lease for the purposes set out in the designation. In the case of te’tuxwtun, the purposes of designation include residential, commercial, recreational, light industrial and more, all determined by previous member feedback. 

Designated lands will remain Reserve Lands.

A lease is a legal agreement that gives someone the right to use our land for a set period of time, in exchange for rent.

Under a lease, the land is not sold. Snuneymuxw keeps ownership of the land as part of our reserve.

The tenant using the land must follow the rules set out in the lease, including what the land can be used for and how much rent must be paid.

If our members vote yes, Snuneymuxw will lease the te’tuxwtun lands directly to our own PDG — a company 100% owned by Snuneymuxw. This main agreement is called the head lease.

PDG will be able to sublease parts of the land to outside businesses and developers, as informed by our member community planning feedback.

Chief and Council, with Snuneymuxw advisors, will negotiate all lease terms.

A longer lease term means more stable, long-term revenue for Snuneymuxw and greater opportunity to attract high-quality tenants and development. 

When PDG receives profits from these tenants, Chief and Council determine what to do with these funds based on community priorities, like member housing.

This length of time is best-practice for large-scale land developments and is necessary to give developers and businesses the certainty they need to invest in building on the land. In the past, some Nations have entered into a head-lease with private companies. For example, the Squamish Nation decided to lease a portion of its lands to Park Royal. We prefer leasing to ourselves through our Snuneymuxw-owned PDG.

SFN Chief and Council retain the ability to request changes to the designation if needed, as long as existing rights and interests are not affected.