Leq’á:mel First Nation is creating an Integrated Community Plan to guide how our lands are used, protected, and cared for, for the next 20 years and beyond. This work is about making thoughtful decisions today so the next seven generations can live, grow, and thrive on our lands.

When the Integrated Community Plan is complete, it will show how different parts of our land fit together like a blanket. It will help answer:
  • Where new homes can be built
  • Where economic development could happen
  • Which areas should be protected for environmental reasons
  • Which areas should be protected for cultural uses
  • Where future infrastructure investments may be needed
To learn more about the project, click here to read the Discussion Guide.

To leave a pin on our interactive map, click here.

To visit the project webpage, click here.
There is a lot that goes into planning the community. There are four key lenses that we are using to create this Integrated Community Plan. They include:
This survey asks about each of these four lenses. It should take about 10-15 minutes. No demographic information is being collected. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to email lands@leqamel.ca. For more information, visit leqamel.ca/project/integrated-community-plan
Section 1: s’íwes
Teachings/Culture
Leq’á:mel will continue to provide opportunities for all Leq’á:mel xwexwelmexw (Leq’á:mel People) to feel welcome in learning and teaching culture, through language, hunting, harvesting, drumming, canoeing, dancing, crafting, making art, and other ways. A culutral centre/ longhouse is planned for Skweahm in the coming years.
The Integrated Community Plan presents an opportunity to identify what kinds of cultural spaces we want to see and where they could go.

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1. Are there important cultural areas that should be protected?

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2. Could any of our current cultural spaces be improved?

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3. Do you have any thoughts or questions about the future cultural centre on Skweahm?

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4. In addition to the cultural centre, what cultural spaces would support future generations? E.g., a smokehouse, gathering places, language spaces, arts. Where could they go?

Section 2: shxwexwá chelcháléx
Hard-working hands (Economic Development)
Economic self-sufficiency is one of Leq’á:mel’s core goals. By strengthening our own revenue, building up financial resources, and pursuing innovative partnerships, we can invest in our own infrastructure and programs. Economic development is what will help generate the money we need to build new infrastructure, fund more housing, or create new programming for our community.

The community has seen success in economic development in recent years with the development of an industrial agricultural site in Zaitschullachan and a commercial site in Skweahm. Additionally, plans are underway for industrial and riverfront development at Papekwatchin.
The Integrated Community Plan will help shape what types of economic development opportunities we want to pursue and where they could be located.

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5. What kinds of economic opportunities would you like to see Leq’á:mel pursue E.g., local businesses, tourism, industrial, commercial, agriculture, employment opportunities.

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6. What benefits should economic development provide to the community? E.g., jobs, revenue, housing support, cultural programming, services, infrastructure.

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7. Do you have any concerns about future economic development?

Section 3: tsqwá:y tém:éxw
Green spaces
Leq’á:mel has several areas that are environmentally protected. Right now, the goal for these green spaces is to keep them as close to their natural state as possible, while supporting recreation, like fishing. Guardians are the eyes and ears of Leq’á:mel, combining traditional knowledge with modern tools to protect the land for generations to come.

Environmental stewardship is important for Leq’á:mel. Protected areas will remain off-limits to economic development, now and in the future.
The Integrated Community Plan will help protect important lands and sensitive habitats.

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8. Which lands are environmentally sensitive and should be protected?

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9. What environmental changes concern you the most in the future? E.g., flooding, erosion, climate, habitat loss.

Section 4: lalém
Housing
Leq’a:mel’s total population is 822. Growth in our community is exciting - it brings new energy, changes, and challenges.

In the past, the community planned for 85% of new housing to be single-family, and 15% to be multi-family (like duplexes).

Today, Leq’á:mel is prioritizing new infrastructure (like water and sewer) that we need to support diverse housing needs, including housing for Elders.
Leq’á:mel’s Housing Strategy (2015) notes the importance of diverse housing opportunities, growth in existing areas, Elders’ housing, and traditional use activities like smoke houses and food prep areas.

The Integrated Community Plan will guide where future housing should be located.

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10. What are your housing needs?

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11. What types of housing units are needed in our community for Elders, young
adults, future generations, people with diverse abilities, and families?

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12. Where could new houses be built?

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13. What should future neighbourhoods look and feel like?

Section 5: qp’á:thet
To close
The Integrated Community Plan is an opportunity to build on past planning that has been done, come together, and create a vision for what our lands will look like for future generations.

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14. When you think about Leq’á:mel 20 years from now, what is the most important thing you hope has been achieved?

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15. What else needs to be considered?

Any comments that you have can be submitted to lands@leqamel.ca

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