RE: OCHAPOWACE NATION AND THE REGINA BYPASS PROJECT
In 1996, Ochapowace Nation had the forethought and vision to purchase a tract of land (285 acres), seven kilometres east of Regina, Saskatchewan, adjacent to the TransCanada Highway #1. Currently, the land is generating revenue through an agricultural lease agreement with a local farmer. Given the current growth experienced by the city of Regina, surrounding smaller municipalities, and the Province of Saskatchewan generally, this intersection became a great safety issue and was included in the Regina Bypass project for construction of an interchange at the Pilot Butte access.
In 2013 Ochapowace Nation went into negotiations with the Department of Highways on a portion of the lands required for the construction of the bypass at Pilot Butte which concluded in 2015. These negotiations include the transfer of surface rights, with revisionary interests, for the construction of the bypass (10 hectares) in exchange for full surface and subsurface rights to Highways lands (13 hectares) for the location of our gas bar, as well as the construction, maintenance, upkeep of a service road based on Ochapowace developments and finally, certain economic opportunities within the agreement which includes labour and contracted services.
In late 2015 surveying took place and construction has commenced on the service road that will be going through the Regina lands with a proposed completion for Summer of 2016 and completion of the Pilot Butte interchange in 2019. It is anticipated that Ochapowace business development will commence on these lands in conjunction with the completion of the service road.
Ochapowace Nation is named as a stakeholder in the Regina Bypass Project and will continue to be an active participant in these developments for the long term benefits of our citizens.
Ochapowace Nation
Headwoman Shelley A. Bear
Economic Development Portfolio