The Town of Osoyoos will write a letter to the federal government expressing concerns relating to proposed changes in Federal Addition to Reserve Land Policy. The new policy proposes many changes which are of concern to some local governments. Specifically, the town is concerned about economic sustainability, retention of land base and control over planning and development of lands if the changes to the policy are implemented.
“The proposed amendments…have some very significant implications for local governments,” said Delta Mayor Lois Jackson in a letter received by Osoyoos council.
”In particular, the changes will allow First Nations to add lands to their Reserve that are outside of their traditional territory. This means, for example, that a First Nation in the Caribou could acquire land in Delta and include it in their Reserve thereby removing it from municipal jurisdiction.”
Osoyoos Mayor Stu Wells indicated that, although the town of Osoyoos has enjoyed a wonderful working relationship with the Osoyoos Indian Band, other municipalities may face challenges in partnering with First Nations. Wells informed that the town of Osoyoos has already reached agreements with the Osoyoos Indian Band on matters of this nature. ”We went through that, we did the subdividing, we did road improvements, we have good partnerships there,” Wells said. ”However, when we look at what the Federal Government is looking at, it really changes the whole process… and has some tax policy implications.” Mayor Wells continued to say, “this is not an objection about the Osoyoos Indian Band. This is an objection about, even a second look – I won’t even say an objection – this is a second look at the Federal policy that is coming forward,” he said. ” This is the big picture, covering all of Canada.”
Councillor CJ Rhodes echoed Wells’ comments, and moved to send the letter to the federal government expressing the town’s concern. ”The Town of Osoyoos and the Osoyoos Indian Band have earned mutual respect…and been able to work together. Regrettably, that’s not the case all across Canada,” he said. ”There is a bigger picture here other than what we enjoy in our community.”
Director of planning and development services Alain Cunningham was vehement in his opposition to the proposed changes. ”We’re talking about quite a departure from the policy as I know it,” he said. ”We all treasure our relationship with the O.I.B. here locally. But it has to be appreciated that we’re talking about potentially any band in B.C. can come in to Osoyoos and purchase land here for economic development purposes.” Cunningham stressed that, under the current policy, land acquisitions could only be made for social purposes, meaning expanding a community and providing housing. Under the proposed changes, land acquisitions could be made for economic development purposes. ”This is one of the most Draconian policies that I have seen come out of this particular department in the federal government in a long time,” he said. ”I think every municipality, every local government should be very concerned about it.”
The policy was created in 1972, and most recently updated in 2001.
from Osoyoos Daily News