Gambler provides urban reserve update

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This article was published 20/08/2020 (1898 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Gambler First Nation has broken its silence about the Brandon urban reserve development that has been on hold since July, after hiring a Regina, Sask., firm to handle its communications.

Derek Robinson of Mash Media acted as liaison to answer questions posed by The Brandon Sun.

The First Nation confirmed that it had ceased construction at its Brandon lands while Indigenous Services Canada reviewed its February land designation referendum, which had a final vote of 72-70 in favour. Gambler member Darlene Labelle Gerula requested the review. The goal of a land designation is to lease urban reserve lands to third parties for commercial purposes.

“While we were confident in a successful review, we delayed construction until the federal government upheld the referendum result,” the First Nation stated.

Also according to the First Nation, the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada has signed off on the land designation.

Development of the land is separated into two parts. Stage 1 will see a Co-op gas bar with a convenience store and two retail spaces in one large building, according to the email. Gambler estimates it will complete the gas bar by the end of 2020.

Stage 2 of development remains under negotiation and Gambler will announce details as they become available.

The Sun asked questions related to the leasing of land and the involvement of other First Nations, which was one of Gerula’s concerns.

Specifically, her concern was that the lands would be leased for nominal fees and for a great length of time — up to 99 years, according to referendum documents — to other First Nations or individuals, which would reap the economic rewards of businesses they open there. Gerula feared Gambler members would not have those same opportunities or benefit economically.

The Sun also asked if Gambler members would have opportunities to have their own businesses on the urban reserve and if Chief David LeDoux had plans to mend fences with the members who had been outspoken about the land designation referendum process.

The First Nation replied generally.

“With limited government funding available, Gambler recognized the need to develop own-source revenue to better support its members,” the First Nation stated.

“The businesses on the Brandon urban reserve are 100 per cent owned by Gambler First Nation and profits will be used to support all Gambler members. For that reason, the Brandon urban reserve is a for-profit business and decisions will be made through that lens.”

Further, the First Nation stated any interested party could lease land or space on the urban reserve upon review of business plans and/or financials by Gambler First Nation to ensure viability.

“Gambler wants to provide exceptional services for Brandon and area residents with long-term businesses onsite of the urban reserve,” according to the email.

“We are working hard to better communicate these messages and quickly correct misunderstandings with Gambler members as the Brandon project is a generational opportunity to secure a stronger, more self-sufficient future for all Gambler members.”

» mletourneau@brandonsun.com

» Michele LeTourneau covers Indigenous matters for The Brandon Sun under the Local Journalism Initiative, a federally funded program that supports the creation of original civic journalism.