REDWOOD MEADOWS— A historic vote to renew the land lease between the Redwood Meadows Townsite and Tsuut'ina First Nation passed Friday (Dec. 11).
It was a relief to see the future of the Townsite secured for the next 75 years, said Redwood Meadows mayor Paul Sawler. He explained securing the lease has given residents peace of mind and certainty for many decades to come.
“They know that this community is here for at least another 75 years,” Sawler said. “It is a massive relief to go from what was a 29-year term left on the lease to a 75-year term. We’re excited.”
He added the renewed lease will ensure Redwood Meadows remains a vibrant and beautiful place to live for many decades, Sawler said, while putting the Townsite back on an even term with surrounding areas like Bragg Creek and Cochrane.
In Redwood Meadows, more than 90 per cent of leaseholders participated in the vote with more than 90 per cent being in favour of renewal. A majority of two/thirds of lease holders were required to vote in favour of renewal in order to secure the lease. Tsuut’ina First Nation members also voted in favour of renewing the lease. Tsuu'tina First Nation did not respond to The Cochrane Eagle's request for comment.
Sawler noted the majority of votes were received via mail-in ballots.
“We were really excited with that,” Sawler said. “It became very apparent really quickly where the vote was going— It is exactly what we would have hoped for."
Sawler added the positive vote is a “win-win” as it will allow Nation to reinvest in the community as well.
There are about 1,200 residents in Redwood Meadows and about 2,500 members of the Tsuut’ina Nation affected by the lease vote.
The Redwood Meadows Townsite includes 351 homes in the community and boasts an ice rink, ball diamond, public fire pits, tennis courts, river access, the golf course and its own fire department.
To complete the lease renewal Redwood Meadows Council and Tsuut’ina First Nation band council will issue a resolution accepting the voting results to be provided to the federal government. There are four different agreements that will need to be signed.
The approved agreement details not only the terms of the lease, Sawler said, but also speaks to how the Townsite will be run for the next 75 years. He added the Nation has entrusted the Redwood Meadows Administration Society with the stewardship of the land and the Townsite in a landmark deal that is one-of-a-kind within Canada.
“This was more than just a lease vote— It was a total restructuring of the relationship from the Nation to the Townsite,” Sawler said. “This landmark deal shows what can be accomplished when First Nations and non-First Nations work together.”
Discussions to renew the lease agreement between Redwood Meadows and Tsuut'ina First Nation began in 2015. The conversation over the past five years has been comprehensive and detailed not only the cost of the lease but how the Townsite will be run and stewardship of the land in Redwood Meadows.
The majority of aspects included in the lease will continue as they have in the past, Sawler said, but the new agreement “is far better structured” and allows them to operate under the First Nations tax management act.
He noted the renewed lease will also be pivotal in helping residents secure mortgages because there is confidence in the future. Sawler added he expects this will include an increase in residents looking to renovate their homes.
“It’s all about certainty and now we have it,” Sawler said.
