A historic vote to renew the land lease between the Redwood Meadows Townsite and Tsuut'ina First Nation passed Dec. 11.
The agreement details not only the terms of the lease, said Redwood Meadows Mayor Paul Sawler, 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 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,” he said.“This landmark deal shows what can be accomplished when First Nations and non-First Nations work together.”
Sawler added the decision has given residents peace of mind.
“This was more than just a lease vote. It was a total restructuring of the relationship from the Nation to the townsite,” he said. “This landmark deal shows what can be accomplished when First Nations and non-First Nations work together.”
Sawler added the decision has given residents peace of mind.
“They know that this community is here for at least another 75 years,” he 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 put the Redwood Meadows back on an even term with surrounding communities like Bragg Creek and Cochrane.
More than 90 per cent of townsite leaseholders participated, with more than 90 per cent of votes cast in favour of the renewal. A two-thirds majority was required to vote in favour of renewal in order to secure the lease.
Sawler noted the majority of votes were received via mail-in ballots.
Tsuut’ina First Nation members also voted in favour of renewal but the Nation did not respond to requests for comment.
“It became very apparent really quickly where the vote was going – it is exactly what we would have hoped for," Sawler said.The decision impacts about 1,200 Redwood Meadows residents and 2,500 Tsuut’ina Nation members.
To complete the lease renewal, Redwood Meadows Council and Tsuut’ina First Nation's band council will issue a resolution accepting the results, which will be provided to the federal government. There are four different agreements that will need to be signed.
The majority of aspects included in the lease will continue as they have in the past, according to Sawler, but the new agreement “is far better structured” and allows Redwood Meadows 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 long-term 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,” he said.
