REGINA -- Carry the Kettle First Nation revealed its plan to develop a piece of land in northwest Regina on Wednesday.
The first nation’s plan will include commercial, light industrial and residential development. The plan will create jobs and is seen as economic reconciliation for the community.
“This land was purchased back in 1998. Our leaders of then, they had a vision that was about ensuring that future generations would be able to participate in the economy and provide wealth. There are over 300 acres here that will provide jobs, businesses, housing, entertainment, and commerce,” said Brady O’Watch, chief of Carry the Kettle Nakoda First Nation.
The City of Regina signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Carry the Kettle, committing to a long-term economic relationship.
City council endorsed the MOU at a meeting in February.
Back in 2011, council consulted with the first nation to see what band members wanted out of the development.
The plans now include a large residential area, a long-term care facility, a cultural centre, and a casino – along with other business opportunities.
“We talked about opening our own hospital, a health center for our people, just to have that culture diversity there,” Chief O’Watch said.
The first nation’s hope is to establish a business and residential environment that will attract entrepreneurs, investors, and developers. It will also employ both those belonging to the first nation and residents from the city.
“It's going to bring increased networking in the City of Regina. It's going to open the door for diverse community and economic reconciliation,” said Shawn Spencer, a councillor with Carry the Kettle.
While the development is in the beginning phases, O’Watch hopes this will bring comfort to those who have moved into the city.
“In one of the concept plans we have a cultural centre. [We’d] have supports there for our students, a place for our membership – for all of our members in Regina – to come back to,” Chief O’Watch said.
This isn’t the first urban reserve in Regina; Cowessess, Nekaneet, Piapot, Sakimay and Star Blanket already own land within city limits.
Carry the Kettle hopes to have shovels in the ground by early fall.
