B.C. Métis Nation acquires land in Surrey for major, multi-purpose development project
Métis Nation British Columbia has announced the largest acquisition of land in its history: A $6 million purchase in Surrey that the nation intends to develop for a variety of purposes, including housing, child care, office space and governance.
Funding for the land purchase came from the federal government through the Canada-Métis Nation Housing Sub-Accord, but Métis Nation B.C. will be responsible for planning, designing and managing the project.
The land is located at 11479 125A St. in Surrey's Bridgeview neighbourhood.
The nation, which has 20,000 registered citizens and represents and advocates for the 90,000 people in B.C. who identify as Métis, now plans to undertake a broad consultation with members to refine the specifics of the development.
"It is expected that this ambitious project will include a purpose-built space for MNBC’s Cabinet and the Senate," the nation said in a news release this week.
"There are also plans to include space for the Métis Nation Governing Assembly, office space for local Chartered Communities, and cultural gathering spaces. In addition, MNBC is planning for culturally relevant child-care spaces and a broad array of housing options across the housing spectrum."
The nation plans to engage a development consultant to lead the project, which it hopes will be completed by 2027.
The inclusion of child care in the planned development complements one of the five key goals of the nation's recently released strategic plan, which is to bring Métis children home and ensure they have access to their culture.
“Building a network of Métis early learning and child care programs is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history," said Debra Fisher, MNBC's Minister of Education, in the release.
"Ensuring that Métis children can attend early years programs at facilities that are culturally relevant and expose them to the rich heritage we hold so near to our heart will have a long-lasting, positive effect on their lives. A dream come true.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Alice Munro's daughter says mom kept silent when stepfather sexually abused her
The youngest daughter of celebrated Canadian author Alice Munro has opened up about sexual abuse by her stepfather and the deep hurt she felt when her mother chose to support her husband instead of her child.
France election: Leftists win more seats over far right, but leaves hung parliament
A coalition of the French left won the most seats in high-stakes legislative elections Sunday, beating back a far-right surge but failing to win a majority.
Bus crashes into electrical pylon, causing massive power outage on the South Shore
Tens of thousands of households on Montreal's South Shore have been without electricity since Saturday night after a bus crashed into an electrical pylon.
Ottawa councillor, residents condemn arrival of 'hateful' group Diagolon 'Terror Tour'
A community group and an Ottawa city councillor have come forward to condemn the arrival of the far-right group Diagolon after it brought its 'Road Rage Terror Tour' to Ottawa over the weekend.
Planning a last-minute summer vacation? Here's how to save money
Summer is already in full swing, but there is still time to plan a vacation — and even save some money, while you're at it.
'Meltdown': A week later, WestJet continues to feel the fallout from mechanics strike
One week after it ended, WestJet continues to feel the effects of a mechanics strike that nearly shut down the airline's network for 29 hours.
ANALYSIS Why are Trudeau and Singh avoiding Stampede this year?
This year, only Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre will be saddling up for the event, while both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh will stay away.
As Biden continues campaigning, some House Democrat leaders say he should step aside
Some leading congressional Democrats privately suggested it was time for U.S. President Joe Biden to abandon his reelection bid.
Woman dies at Rolling Stones concert in Vancouver
A woman attending the Rolling Stones concert at BC Place died Friday night, police confirmed.