Real Estate Collaborations with Indigenous Peoples

Through multiple collaborations and partnerships with Indigenous communities across Canada, the Company is assisting the Government of Canada in its continued commitment to the prosperity of Indigenous Peoples and their interests. Canada Lands is proud to work alongside the Nations in redeveloping former federal properties and creating employment, training, commemoration, procurement and mentorship opportunities.

Through its real estate division, the company is currently engaged in six collaborations with First Nations.
In Ottawa, Canada Lands has partnered with the Algonquins of Ontario for various on two development projects: Wateridge Village/Village des Riverains and 299 Carling Avenue (formerly 291 Carling Avenue).  At Wateridge Village, the partners have realized tremendous success through a participation agreement, signed in 2010, that is providing significant opportunities for the Algonquins of Ontario, including ongoing consultation throughout the community’s development process, commemoration of Algonquin heritage and economic participation. At 299 Carling Avenue, the partners are collaborating on the development plans for the site which include design and architectural guidelines that reflect Algonquin values. 

In Vancouver, as part of its ongoing joint venture partnership with the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh (MST) Nations, Canada Lands is integrating the Nations’ knowledge and culture into the planning and design of the Heather Street Lands and the Jericho Lands projects.

In 2019, one member from each of the MST Nations was retained to serve as a cultural liaison to both real estate developments. As liaisons, the members are advising the CLC-MST project managers and design teams on various matters. In particular, the liaisons are assisting with the creation of a cultural interpretive strategy which will help build a public understanding of MST values and the unique stories associated with the Heather Street Lands and Jericho Lands sites.

The company’s collaborations with Indigenous Peoples also extend to Dartmouth and Winnipeg, where Canada Lands works collaboratively with the Millbrook First Nation and the Treaty One Development Corporation, respectively, on redevelopment opportunities. 

In all its partnerships, Canada Lands’ goal is to build positive, respectful and mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous Peoples across Canada. To learn more about how the company is working with Indigenous Peoples across the country, click here.