Treaty 6 nations aim to redevelop contentious Rossdale lots

The Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations says it wants to turn vacant land in Rossdale into Alberta's first major Indigenous-led redevelopment. The confederacy, representing 16 nations, has submitted an expression of interest for the River Crossing project, which would see the redevelopment of about 18 hectares of mostly city-owned land in Rossdale. The confederacy said it is drawing on examples of Indigenous-led redevelopment from across Canada, such as the Sen̓ákw and Jericho Lands projects in Vancouver and the urban reserve Naawi-Oodena within Winnipeg.

One parcel of vacant land in Edmonton, directly north of Re/Max Field, was rezoned at a public hearing on July 6. Several speakers expressed concerns that Indigenous nations had not been consulted on plans for the area. Councillors aren't legally allowed to discuss land sales and agreements when making land use decisions, so it was only after the public hearing that they could reveal the city is working on agreements with Indigenous partners. "Now that the public hearing is over, we can openly speak about the fact that we're actively pursuing partnerships with Indigenous nations in order to safeguard this area, and to ensure that the Indigenous perspective remains, and in fact becomes prominent for these very important historical lands," Coun. Aaron Paquette said.

The confederacy said the site could support between 2,500 and 4,000 homes, mixed-use commercial space, and major public-realm investment, and it estimates the development could be worth more than $1 billion. Speaking on behalf of Enoch Cree Nation and the Treaty 6 Confederacy, Roger Smith said the groups were fully supportive of the amended bylaws at the public hearing "as a necessary first step to engage in real discussion as to how these lands should be properly developed, having regard to economic and responsible development, while preserving historical sites."