Continuing efforts to create a self-sustaining Nation, the Bearspaw band is “excited” to start construction of the Bearspaw Kananaski Travel Centre after signing official paperwork last Thursday.
The eight acres of land, located adjacent to the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino, has five acres dedicated to the new centre that will include a gas station, convenience store, cardlock and lounge, with administration in discussion with other potential partners. The cost of the project is budgeted at $4.5 million.
“This means we are trying to be a part of the economy in Alberta. We want to use our own assets, our own land to develop and benefit,” Bearspaw Chief Darcy Dixon said during the meeting.
“This is for our youth and our children.”
Dixon and CEO Rob Shotclose met with executives from Imperial Oil (Esso) and Parkland Fuel Corporation to sign fuel supply agreements at the Bearspaw Youth Centre April 6.
Shotclose said project management for the project is being done in house.
“We have been working with Com-Tech Drafting and Design Services on site plans, deep servicing plans, and they will design building and get the building plans ready for tendering to a builder,” he said.
“On the Fuel side; AAA Petroleum Contracting Ltd. will be installing the four fuel tanks, two canopies, five retail pumps, card lock pumps, and the fuel piping at whole site.”
Governed by three bands, Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley, a previous deal with the whole Nation and other developers “fell through” the CEO explained, resulting in an opportunity for Bearspaw.
“The tribe has had challenges,” Shotclose explained.
The original deal was to lease out the lands but with the new deal, the centre will be run by the Bearspaw band, Dixon explained.
“I’m feeling good. Not all partners know how to have businesses with First Nations, but I feel like we have a good understanding between us and the partners,” Dixon said.
“I hope to be a model. One that can be followed.”
Administration said they are hopeful the new centre will also attract more business for the Casino that “remains steady” during the summer season but with the downturn in the economy has been seeing a decline in attendance.
Construction of water and sewer services will start in the next couple of weeks with administration hoping for a grand opening of the new centre by fall.
“This has always been part of the master plan,” Shotclose said.
The new centre will be one of the many steps the band has taken toward self-sustainability, including the Bearspaw Service Centre, located in Morley that opened in 2013. The service centre features a Centex gas station, a convenience store and Subway, all band run, and has generated more than $12 million in revenue since its opening.
The Bearspaw band also has a proposal with the Cottage Club, a private gated community located at Ghost Lake, to run broadband fiber cables to provide Internet access to the residents. Shotclose said the venture is currently in the discussion phase.
As of yet there are no plans for the remaining three acres of land near the casino but band is open to possibilities.
Once open, the new centre is expected to create employment for 25 to 35 Nation members.
