The Sq'éwqel First Nation has voted overwhelmingly to extend establishing a long-time ease to a major local manufacturer.
Referendum day was Monday, June 2, for the Seabird Island community. With a 118-33 vote, AE Concrete's 25-year lease has been extended to 75 years. The extension allows AE to plan for long-term investments and growth.
Monday's votes tally to a 78-per cent approval rate.
AE Concrete currently leases out 16 acres of the 50-acre Sq'éwqel Business Park. As of last year, AE has hired 14 First Nations employees, nine of which are directly from Seabird Island. In addition to providing local jobs and training. In addition to providing local jobs, the lease generates nearly $1 million in revenue for Seabird Island each year just in the lease alone; the lease is subject to review and inflation adjustment every five years. AE also generates approximately $60,000 in property taxes. Benefits also include $20,000 in local bursaries and the prospect of several new local jobs as the company grows.
"As members of Seabird Island, it’s our responsibility to care for our land, our people, and the choices that shape our nation’s path forward," said Seabird Island Chief Jim Harris in a statement. “When we all take part in decisions like this, we build unity, strength, and a shared future for Sq’éwqel. This referendum gives each of us a voice. It’s our chance to carry forward the work of our ancestors, who always thought ahead to protect the well-being of those who would come after them. Now, it’s our turn.”
AE spokesperson Jonathan Wood told The Observer the community's support through the referendum is "both humbling and inspiring."
"This vote of confidence reaffirms the strength of our partnership with Seabird Island and reflects the shared vision we hold for long-term collaboration, sustainability, and mutual prosperity," Wood stated. "We are committed to continuing our work in a way that respects the land, supports the community, and builds a future we can all be proud of. On behalf of our entire team, thank you to the Seabird Island community for your trust and support. We look forward to the next chapter of our journey together."
AE Concrete made local headlines last year as they would receive up to $4.5 million to help construct a then-new facility at Seabird Island's industrial park as its inaugural tenant. The funding would help expand the manufacturer's product offerings and help build new residential and commercial property; the provincial government estimated this would create 40 local jobs.
AE Concrete has a sales office in Langley, but their shipping and production is in Seabird Island.
Until mid-May, there was a second item up for referendum vote for the Sq'éwqel people. The second question asked the community whether they approved or opposed leasing land on Pipehó:M Road to themselves through Seabird Housing Society for a 42 year term for the B.C. Housing Affordable Housing Project. This question was removed from the ballot because it was no longer necessary.
"We lobbied hard for the B.C. Housing project that we did not need a lease to ourselves given that we are self-governing," reads a statement from the Sq'éwqel government. "On May 5, they finally agreed and will provide the funding for the new housing units without the lease."
