The Bearspaw First Nation has announced a partnership with developer Durum Capital to create a 289-acre residential, commercial, and recreational complex just west of Calgary.

If all goes according to plan, the proposed development will be located along the Trans-Canada Highway, near Calaway Park, an amusement venue which Durum owns, marking Bearspaw First Nation’s first significant off-reserve project.

Robert Shotclose, CEO of the Bearspaw First Nation, described the initiative as a significant step forward.

“We’ve never really moved on developing our off-reserve holdings, we’ve never really found anyone to partner with,” he told Postmedia. “As a First Nation, we want to be part of all the development happening, all of the growth.”

The development will be situated close to the Bearspaw reserve, approximately 15 kilometres away, and is expected to include residential areas, retail spaces, and recreational facilities such as sports fields and an arena. The project will unfold in multiple phases, pending approval from Rocky View County.

The land’s historical water licence, currently managed by Durum, is a key factor in making the project viable. This licence allows for the diversion of up to 1,080 acre-feet of water annually. “If you’ve got a water licence, you’re 75 per cent there,” said Shotclose.

Bearspaw First Nation will retain a 51% interest in the project, according to Postmedia. Shotclose emphasized the importance of diversifying the Nation’s economic base as oil and gas revenues decline.

“We’ve got to find other revenue streams,” he told Postmedia

Jay Simmons, Durum’s CEO and manager of Bow Water and Land Trust, expressed optimism about the project’s potential for reconciliation and shared prosperity.

“It’s all about acknowledging the difficult position of First Nations and our sharing of prosperity,” he told Postmedia. “I’m sure [the development] will be something thoughtful, contribute to the community and meet the test of time.”

The partnership also includes exploring the possibility of designating the area as an urban reserve, potentially expanding Bearspaw’s reserve lands.

While the project is still in its planning and approval stages, Shotclose highlighted the collaborative approach they hope to foster.

“We hope to work in conjunction with [Rocky View County], respecting their needs while they respect the development of our First Nation,” he said.

The Bearspaw First Nation currently operates retail outlets on the Stoney Nakoda Reserve and has been pursuing various initiatives to diversify its economic activities in recent years.

Pictured: Calaway Park

Photo: Tourism Calgary