First Nation cut off from half its land for 50 years hopes to get access again

A "pivotal vote" next month will determine whether a smallFirst Nation near Antigonish, N.S., gains access to reserve land that's sat unused for decades.

The construction of the Trans-Canada Highway in the mid-60s split the Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation in half,isolating about 200 hectareson the south side. Despite attempts by band councils over the years, a direct routeto the separated land was neverbuilt.

It's meant the growing community is running out of space.

But a recent agreement between Paqtnkek and the federal and provincial governments could change that. The three parties have agreed to an estimated $15.3 million interchange project that band council hopes paves the way for a new era of economic growth.

Not 'a pit stop'

"Hopefully [Paqtnkek] will be part of a destination. I always like to hear that, a destination rather than a pit stop because right now it's the gateway to Cape Breton and out," said Rose Paul, director of economic development with Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation.

She's been working for a decade to make the project a reality. Paul envisions green space, more homes and commercial properties all located just off the busy Highway 104, which she hopes will draw people into the community.

"I'm really excited for the community," she said. "It's definitely a real goal, a milestone for myself, and it's something that I wouldn't think was going to happen. We were challenged in so many ways."

Double majority needed

The highway interchange isn't a done deal though. Band members will vote on July 13 to determine whether the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure of Renewalcan begin work this fall.

The vote requires a "double majority," which means 207 of the band's 413 registered members must cast a ballot, and 105must vote yesfor the project to proceed. A double majority is needed under the Indian Act because the deal technically requires the "surrender" of 27 hectares forthe province to build on.

Paul saidit's not an "absolute surrender," meaningif any land isn't used, it returns to the band.

The band will also receive $2.3 million in compensation, according toChief Paul Prosper, for the land and the relocation of several houses.

He's "extremely hopeful" the community will see the benefit of increased development.

"One can only look to bands like maybe Membertou or Millbrook that have reaped certain benefits from development by having access to a major roadway like that," he said.

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Sets stage for twinning

Negotiations with the province over the interchange projectbegan in 2004.

DwayneCross,access management engineer with the Transportation Department, said the movement forwardreflects an "evolution of humanityand us as individuals, a recognition of rights and needs."

Cross said the project is a "win-win" and fits into the province's broaderplans for Highway104.

"For us, it will form a piece of an overall plan for the ultimate twinning of Highway 104 from Taylor Road down to Monastery," he said.

'The bigger picture'

If a double majority is reached next month, Transportation will issue a tender for the construction work, which could begin as early as this fall. It's expected to take 30 months to build the overpass, connector roads, off-ramps and bridges.

Even before the agreement was finalized, council was laying the groundwork. It approached homeowners who were too close to the project site and asked them to relocate.

Four families agreed to move into new homes, including Kimberly Julian, along with her six childrenand three grandchildren. Last August, the family moved just down the road into a newly built house.

"I enjoyed living there. I loved the location, but with the project coming through, there had to be changes and I was OK with that," said Julian, who works for the band as the administrative assistant.

She's voting yes on July 13 because, "I see the bigger picture. It's going to be growth for the community economically."

'Hate to see it delayed'

If the vote doesn't get a double majority, Paulsaid it could be a year before it comes through council again.

"We're hoping the first vote will be a successful one. We would hate to see it delayed," she said, and notonly because access to the south-sideareawould practically double the community's land base.

For Paul, the project goes beyond the potential for jobs and increased revenue it signals a new direction for Paqtnkek.

"I'm excited. It's definitely an era, a time, for our community to excel," said Paul.

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