By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: January 09, 2009 4:00 PM
Major efforts are underway to address a severe shortage of industrial land and its impact on the economy. The Okanagan Indian Band is investigating the possibility of developing an industrial park on 852-acres of reserve land on Highway 97, near Round Lake. “It’s very important that our youth have (job) opportunities in their ancestral territory,” said Janelle Brewer, a band councillor. On Friday, the band received $249,000 from the federal government to pursue preliminary engineering plans, design drawings and a pre-design report that will estimate construction costs. The money will also allow the band to study local community needs and assets, identify development options and assist the band in managing the change. This site was selected because of its location next to Highway 97 and rail lines. “We are hoping to develop a good, high quality industrial area,” said Lyle Brewer, the band’s economic development manager. While planning must be done by March 2010, there isn’t a timeline for the N’Kwala industrial park to open.
“We see this as a long-term project. It’s not something that will happen tomorrow,” said Lyle Brewer, adding that the project addresses the growing need for industrial land in the North Okanagan. Chief Fabian Alexis foresees an industrial park benefitting the entire region. “This project will significantly expand the commercial and industrial land base on the band’s reserves and create many employment and contracting opportunities for our membership and the residents of our neighbouring communities,” he said in a release. Numerous studies over the years have indicated a lack of industrial land as a stumbling block for the economy. “‘Where is the park?’ is something I hear,” said Val Trevis, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce manager. “There are pockets of land but we can’t direct them (businesses) to any designated lands.” Trevis believes the band’s project recognizes the reality that while there are separate communities, they are all impacted by the industrial land issue. “I like bringing all of the groups together and working on the same page,” she said. Adjacent to the reserve lands is Spallumcheen, which has also been looking at options for industrial land. “We can work really well together. Industrial land is in our protocol agreement between Spallumcheen and the band,” said Mayor Will Hansma.The $249,000 was announced by MP Colin Mayes, who supports the initiative launched by the band.“It’s important that they develop those lands and have a revenue stream,” he said of First Nations.“It’s great to see our bands moving forward with the lands they have.”
EDITORIAL Morning Star; Published: January 09, 2009 4:00 PM Industrial park requires support
Diversifying the North Okanagan's economy has long been talked about, but the need for such a move has been no more evident than during the current economic downturn. Forestry continues to lag and our limited manufacturing base is struggling. But broadening our economy has been challenging because of the lack of available industrial land, especially property close to key transportation links. That's why the Okanagan Indian Band deserves praise for investigating the feasibility for an industrial park on reserve land near Round Lake. If such a development takes place, it will provide upwards of 852 acres of land and local economic development officers, realtors and chambers of commerce won't have to turn away prospective investors because there is no where to put them. And the benefits will be region-wide. A business on reserve land or elsewhere in the North Okanagan means employees may purchase a home in Vernon or definitely shop there. Many Vernon merchants and employees live in Armstrong, Enderby or Lumby. We may have distinct communities but there is a symbiotic relationship.
And because of that, it's crucial that all jurisdictions, business organizations and residents rally behind the Okanagan Indian Band and its proposal for an industrial park. All of us have a vested interest in ensuring that the region is sustainable and that our children can pursue well-paying careers that allow them to remain here.If there was ever a time when all communities need to work together for the common good and prepare for the future, it is during the current economic uncertainty.
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