The Semiahmoo First Nation is opposed to the proposed hotel/casino complex in Ladner.
In a letter from the First Nation’s legal counsel, the Semiahmoo maintain it has aboriginal rights and title to their traditional territory and it opposes the development of any gaming facilities within their traditional territory without consultation.
The band notes it had a brief meeting with B.C. Lottery Corporation which maintains it does not need to consult or accommodate the Semiahmoo, so the band will be opposing the proposed gaming facility and BCLC’s position to the highest levels.
“BCLC has forced Semiahmoo to take action, and it is unfortunate this may affect your plans. Semiahmoo hopes that you understand that they must protect their Aboriginal rights and title from infringement by BCLC and the Province,” the letter states.
BCLC rules stipulate it must be satisfied that the host local government has consulted with each potentially affected local government. Under the Gaming Control Act and the Gaming Control Regulation, potentially affected local governments include municipalities, regional districts or First Nations that have authority over land use planning for an area that is within five kilometres from a proposed gaming facility.
The Semiahmoo’s main community and offices are located between the boundary of White Rock and the Canada-United States boundary, well outside the BCLC required five-kilometre zone from Ladner.
Richmond was the only municipality that falls within that category, according to the City of Delta which noted the Tsawwassen First Nation, Musqueam Indian Band and City of Surrey all have lands that are also more than five kilomtres from the proposed complex that would be built at the Delta Town & Country Inn site.
“While not obligated to do so, the City of Delta chose to forward the application to the Tsawwassen First Nation, Musqueam Indian Band and City of Surrey for comment as they all have ands that border the City of Delta,” a Delta staff report explains.
The TFN hasn’t registered opposition but has conveyed concerns regarding traffic impacts and asked to review any traffic studies.
“If the project is approved, Tsawwassen First Nation would expect to be engaged in discussions about mitigating the social impacts of relocating an entertainment complex, including a casino near Tsawwassen Lands,” adds a letter last month by Chief Bryce Williams.
The TFN notes that, in particular, it welcomes the opportunity how it could access targeted services for gambling addiction and other public health and safety impacts.
No response was received from the Musqueam or Surrey.
A public hearing on Gateway’s proposed casino/hotel complex takes place May 1 at the Ladner Community Centre starting at 6 p.m.
