“We are building a new town.”
That’s what the billboard at the entrance to the Stz’uminus First Nation’s Oyster Bay reserve proclaims, and words are being translated into action.
Phase one of a 10,000 sq. ft. retail and office development is underway, with civil work being installed by general contractor Island West Coast Developments Ltd.
Ladysmith & District Credit Union will be the first tenant in the development with the opening of its Stz’uminus branch, and more tenants are going to be announced soon, said a Coast Salish Development release.
“Construction at Oyster Bay is the culmination of the Stz’uminus First Nation’s efforts to become a self-sufficient, self-governing nation,” it said.
“Stz’uminus has been preparing for this day for many years and have essentially been building a new municipality from scratch.”
Stz’uminus Chief John Elliott added, “To be successful, we knew we had to be able to move at the speed of business. A lot of work has gone into achieving that.”
Expected to grow to 1,300 residents by 2020, Oyster Bay is the keystone for Stz’uminus First Nation’s economic development.
“The new businesses and residents joining Oyster Bay will translate to revenue for the Nation, opportunities for Stz’uminus members and improved services for the entire community,” said the release.
“With construction underway, the new town of Oyster Bay is fast becoming a reality.”
More information about the Stz’uminus community and their economic development opportunities is available at coastsalishdevcorp.com .
You can also find out more about Stz’uminus visioning for the future by clicking on the ‘Multimedia’ link, then ‘With our own hands.’