A proposed concept for an urban development plan in northwest Regina was announced Wednesday afternoon by Cega’kin (Carry the Kettle) Nakoda First Nation.
The wheels on the project started turning after a memorandum of understanding was reached between Carry the Kettle and the City of Regina in February 2021. The MOU marks a collaborative relationship with the city with a focus for economic development and financial empowerment.
The 300-acre piece of land is located in the northern section of the Twin Lakes neighbourhood. It’s sectioned off by Courtney Street to the west, the CN Railroad to the east and an extended Dewalt Avenue to the south. Residential areas are planned to loop around Dewalt Avenue, while large scale commercial and industrial is set to be built on the northern side of Armour Road.
Also included in the plans would be a central hub which would feature a casino, cultural centre, hotel and care home, all surrounding a retention pond.
A legend of the planned 300-acre development for the Carry the Kettle urban reserve in Regina. (Image courtesy of Carry the Kettle)
A rendered image of the proposed development in northwest Regina. (Image courtesy of Carry the Kettle Nakoda First Nation)
Brady O’Watch, chief of Carry the Kettle, called this a major economic opportunity that will create jobs, housing, entertainment and commerce for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
“One of the dreams was to always participate in the development in Regina,” stated O’Watch. “This will be able to provide a benefit for our people and the generations yet to come for them to get involved in the economy while they are in an urban reserve in Regina.”
Carry the Kettle’s goal for the development is to create “an urban-based business and residential environment and legislative framework that attracts entrepreneurs, investors, and developers,” according to a statement released on Wednesday.
In the short-term, focused priorities would include an active pursuit of the urban reserve creation process, negotiating the Municipal Services Agreement with the City of Regina to secure private financing for community planning, land use zoning and land infrastructure, and enacting bylaws for future development, business and tenancy activities.
“We’ve been approached by some companies and retail stores that they want to start building on this land,” mentioned O’Watch. “Understanding and going over those head leases and what we can develop will be the first steps.”
Cowessess, Nekaneet, Piapot, Sakimay and Star Blanket are other First Nations which have already established urban reserves in the Queen City.
The 300 acres were purchased back in 1998. Carry the Kettle council hopes to get shovels in the ground fall 2021 with a phased development of the land over 20 to 25 years.
Brady O’Watch, chief of Carry the Kettle Nakoda First Nation, delivers a speech at an event on Wednesday, Mar. 17, 2021 in Regina. (Photo: Moises Canales/620 CKRM)
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