2-02544

FUNDS PROMOTE REGIONAL AND ABORIGINAL PROSPERITY

WINDERMERE (November 25, 2004) - The Governments of British Columbia and Canada, the Shuswap Indian Band and a private developer have invested $2.23 million to complete a comprehensive road network to support economic development on and around the Shuswap Reserve near the District of Invermere. The investment was announced today by the Honourable Geoff Plant, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Treaty Negotiations, the Honourable Kevin Falcon, Minister of Transportation, and the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

"By investing $1.07 million, BC is fostering partnerships between First Nations, government, industry, and local communities that will lead to the success of economic opportunities in this region," said Minister Plant. "The value of these developments has been estimated at over $350 million in the next 20 years."

This project is designed to increase safety and traffic flow at the highway entrance to Invermere. The funding provides for the completion of intersection improvements at Highway 93/95 and Athalmer Road, improvements on Highway 93/95, and construction of an internal road network servicing the Shuswap Reserve.

"These improvements are necessary to reduce accidents and traffic congestion," said Minister Falcon. "As the Shuswap Band continues to move forward with development projects, it's important that we properly plan necessary changes now to support the area's growing economy in the future."

"The Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with First Nations, other governments and the private sector to improve quality of life and increase the economic development potential for First Nation communities," said Minister Scott. "By improving access to its reserve, the Shuswap Indian Band will be able to better foster economic and employment opportunities for its community."

This comprehensive road network will support the economic development projects planned by the Shuswap Indian Band to promote the social and economic welfare of the Band. Highway and intersection improvements will allow for an off-reserve 300-unit residential development. In addition, these improvements will allow for the Band to take on new projects, such as providing water and sewer services to proposed off-reserve developments which the regional district cannot provide.

"The Shuswap Indian Band has developed a cooperative relationship with the Province and local governments in the interest of sound community planning and strong economic growth in the region," said Chief Paul Sam of the Shuswap First Nation. "The success of the Shuswap community on and off reserve depends on collective planning and development with our neighbours."

"The Shuswap Indian Band is an integral part of the regional economy," said Wendy McMahon, MLA for Columbia River-Revelstoke. "These projects are good examples of how we support economic development initiatives that increased employment for community members."

The Shuswap Indian Band comprises 1,106.1 hectares in one reserve located near Invermere, British Columbia. Highway 93/95 dissects the reserve running north to south.

Contact:

Kelly Harris
Public Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Attorney General and Treaty Negotiations Office
250 387-1253

Karl Freeborn
Communications Advisor
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
604 666-2944

Dean Martin
Kinbasket Development Corporation
Shuswap Indian Band
250 341-3678

Backgrounder - Shuswap / Windermere Road Network

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