Edmonton city council has approved zoning amendments for the Rossdale Flats area, paving the way for a potential Indigenous urban reserve with direct involvement from Treaty Six First Nations. The decision marks a significant shift in development plans for the coveted river valley site.
Council Approves Zoning Bylaw Amendments
The approved package adds a new special area to the zoning bylaw, allowing medium and large-scale development in Rossdale. Council also endorsed a motion by Ward Dene Coun. Aaron Paquette to continue implementing the 2019 River Crossing business plan with "rights-holding governments having direct involvement in the implementation as guided by the River Crossing Indigenous involvement approach." The motion requires administration to provide updates on Indigenous involvement at each future decision point related to the project.
Treaty Six Confederacy Voices Support
Roger Smith, speaking on behalf of Enoch Cree Nation and the Treaty Six Confederacy, praised the plan as a necessary first step toward shared decision-making and an urban reserve. "The Enoch Cree Nation, together with the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, have the capacity, the financial resources, and the authority to deal with the development of these lands eventually," he said. Smith cited precedents including the Squamish Nation's urban reserve in Vancouver, the Treaty One First Nations' 100-acre development in Winnipeg, and the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh consortium developing Jericho lands in Vancouver.
Smith emphasized that both the confederacy and Enoch Cree Nation fully support the amended bylaws as a foundation for genuine negotiations. "This is a necessary first step for the First Nations to develop those lands. There will be discussions with the City of Edmonton and negotiations relative to the development of an urban reserve," he said, adding that the groups seek balanced and reasoned development that preserves historical sites.
Burial Ground and Historical Preservation
The Rossdale area includes the traditional burial ground and Fort Edmonton Cemetery Commemorative Site, located at 95 Avenue and 105 Street. Smith thanked Papachase Chief Steve Bruno for voicing support and clarifying burial site issues, noting that First Nations are best positioned to ensure responsible development while preserving historical sites.
Coun. Paquette highlighted the significance of his motion's language specifying "rights-holding government involvement," stating that with the public hearing and vote on land use complete, the city can now openly pursue partnerships with Indigenous nations. "Now that the public hearing is over, we can openly speak about the fact that we're actively pursuing partnerships with Indigenous nations," Paquette said.
