First Nations join Vancouver land deal valued at $307M

In a deal valued at just over $307 million, three parcels of landin Point Grey, Cambie and West Vancouverare now held in joint ownership by a coalition of B.C. First Nations and the Canada Lands Agency.

The approximately 32 hectares of land were previously owned by the federal government and include the Jericho Lands (21 hectares), where a Canadian Forcesgarrison is currently sited, an area west of Heather Streetbetween West 33rd and West 37th Avenues (ninehectares) that was formerly an RCMP headquarters, and a small parcel of land (two hectares) on Marine Drive at Burkehill Road in West Vancouver that wasformerly owned by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

The deal, announced Wednesday, makes the First Nations the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh 50 per cent owners of the land, with the nations given 28 per cent of the value as beneficial interest, and purchasing another 22 per cent for $68 million.

There are no plans in place for theland,which in developed form could be worth billions. Alengthy period of consultation and engagement is expected before any work begins.

Chief Wayne Sparrow told CBC News the Musqueam do not view the land as reserve property.

"It's a business transaction that we are doing and we are using it as an economic opportunity for our communities." he said.

"No scare tactics about casinos or doing stuff on our own without the input of the municipalities and the governments."

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said he was happy with the deal and was looking forward to hearing community feedback about its future use.