August 27, 2024

ʔagayqsɛn Lane Subdivision Road Building and Lot Preparation begins

ʔagayqsɛn Lane Subdivision Road Building and Lot Preparation begins

Ground Blessing Ceremony this Friday August 30th, 1:00 PM

t̓išosəm – Work begins this week on the new ʔagayqsɛn Lane subdivision (formerly Harwood Dr.) that will include 14 lots, 11 for market housing and three for Nation-owned rental homes.

The subdivision will be built off Harwood Dr. and end in a cul-de-sac with a service road accessible only by emergency vehicles.

The site was selected because it is close to water and sewer services. Access to existing services means that development can happen sooner and with less cost than other building sites.

Each serviced building lot will cost about $115,000 to construct and will be provided free of charge to Tla’amin citizens who can meet lot allocation criteria. 

Through the project Tla’amin Nation will contribute over $1.3 million worth of land and in-kind costs to Tla’amin Citizens to help them get started on their home ownership journey.

“This project is one I am really proud of” says hegus John Hackett. “Our citizens have been legislated out of private ownership opportunities for the last 150 years. We know that home ownership is how families build stability, wealth and independence so we look forward to more projects like this in the future.”

Community engagement with Tla’amin Citizens has been ongoing. Concerns that were raised early in the project about drainage wetlands planning and bird species monitoring, parks and greenspace, water capacity, amenities, and lighting have been addressed by project planners and engineers.

Executive Councillor and Public Works Housepost Losa Luaifoa is enthusiastic about the project and the opportunity this presents for Tla’amin families. “The ʔagayqsɛn Lane subdivision increases access to new, safe and affordable housing,” Luaifoa continues “We anticipate over 50 Tla’amin Citizens will be housed through this project and about three quarters of Citizens housed, will be living in a home that they own.”

Heavy machinery will be on site beginning in early September and roadbuilding and lot preparation will be ongoing from 7am to 6pm, six days a week until mid-November.

A ground blessing ceremony is scheduled on site this Friday August 30th at 1:00 PM and all are welcome to attend.

Media@tn-bc.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

How many lots are available?

There are 14 lots total, and 11 lots are zoned for private ownership. 3 lots are reserved for Tla’amin Nation social/rental housing.

How big are the ʔagayqsɛn Lane Subdivision Lots?

There are three lot sizes of approximately 10,500 sqft, 8800 sqft, and 6500 sqft.

Can I apply for a Lot?

Yes. The policy/process to allocate building lots is in its final stages of approval.

Now that site preparation is underway there are three things Tla’amin families can do to prepare themselves for this opportunity.

  1. Citizens are asked to formally express interest in a ʔagayqsɛn Lane Subdivision lot by emailing denise.smith@tn-bc.ca. Be sure to include a copy of your Citizenship card. (Tla’amin Citizens who previously expressed interest in this subdivision are already on the list and can confirm their spot on the list with Lands if they’re not sure.)
  2. Consider your housing plan. The ʔagayqsɛn Lane Subdivision has three lot sizes you can apply for. 1) Larger lot, suitable for a home up to 3000 sqft and 2) medium-sized lot, suitable for a home up to 2000 sqft and 3) smaller lot, suitable for a home up to 1000 sqft.
  3. Start the conversation with your bank about financing. To qualify for a building lot Citizens must be pre-approved for a mortgage. BMO offers an on-lands lending program (see attached information)

Are there any jobs available for Tla’amin citizens?

Yes, there are several opportunities for Tla’amin Citizens wanting to work on this project, please review the links below to check out the jobs available with our civil engineering partner Leighton Contracting.

Labourer Job Posting.pdf
Landscape Maintenance posting.pdf
Water truck-Rock truck.pdf

Who can I contact to learn more?