Status
The following is intended to provide the current status of the Federal land from the Federal perspective.
August 19, 2024. Dialog with Public Works and Government Services Canada
To me, Info, Rod, Sarah, Tyler, Tristin, john.aldag@parl.gc.ca, Kerry, Tako, andrew.mercier.MLA@leg.bc.ca, ENV.Minister@gov.bc.ca, AGR.Minister@gov.bc.ca, mayor@surrey.ca, mayorcouncil@tol.ca, elenore.sturko.mla@leg.bc.ca
Dear Mr. Bell,
Thank you for your letter of August 9, 2024 regarding 3884 192nd Street, Surrey BC.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has been mandated for the disposal of this property and is currently conducting the due diligence activities required in order to comply with the Treasury Board Directive on the Management of Real Property.
As part of these activities, PSPC representatives have engaged with multiple parties to date, including the City of Surrey, the Province of British Columbia, numerous federal departments and agencies, as well as local First Nations groups in the community in order to assess the various interests in, rights to, current uses and future opportunities for this site.
At this time, no decision has been made on the future use of the property and how the disposition will proceed. PSPC will continue to work with all parties in order to ensure that the path forward is decided upon with a clear understanding of all of the factors at play.
I hope this information is helpful.
Please continue to use the RPS General Inbox email address (TPSGC.InfoDGBI-RPBInfo.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca) for all future correspondence.
Sincerely,
Sie Lassen
On behalf of the RPS General Inbox
A/Issues Management Coordinator / Coordinatrice de la gestion des enjeux p.i.
Regional Directors Office, Professional and Technical Services, Pacific Region
Public Services and Procurement Canada / Government of Canada
Sie.Lassen@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca / Tel: (604) 362-0281 / TTY: (819) 999-1234
From: Nigel Bell <nrobertbell@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, August 9, 2024 5:00 PM
To: Info DGBI / RPB Info (TPSGC/PWGSC) <TPSGC.InfoDGBI-RPBInfo.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca>
Cc: Rod Hull <hull.rod@gmail.com>; Sarah Dennis <sarah@kdts.ca>; Tyler Heppell <tyler@heppells.ca>; Tristin Bouwman <Tristin@heppells.ca>; john.aldag@parl.gc.ca; Kerry Lynne Findlay <kerry-lynne.findlay@parl.gc.ca>; Tako Van Popta <Tako.VanPopta@parl.gc.ca>; andrew.mercier.MLA@leg.bc.ca; ENV.Minister@gov.bc.ca; AGR.Minister@gov.bc.ca; mayor@surrey.ca; mayorcouncil@tol.ca; elenore.sturko.mla@leg.bc.ca
Subject: Disposal of Federal Land at 3884 192nd St., Surrey BC.
EXTERNAL EMAIL – USE CAUTION / COURRIEL EXTERNE – FAITES PREUVE DE PRUDENCE
To whomever is best able to respond,
Recent consultation with Federal Public Works has provided the following response from Sie Lassen of Public Works and Government Services Canada:
"PSPC is managing the multi-step disposition of the property on ISED’s behalf as per the Directive. PSPC provides recommendations to the disposing department (in this case, ISED) and supports ISED in making decisions. As per Sections 4.2.30 and 4.2.31 of the Directive, ISED “must consult with the Department of Justice Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada when the Crown contemplates a disposal of real property by way of sale, exchange, gift, easement, transfer of administration, or transfer of administration and control”. ISED must also “consult with Indigenous peoples when there is a legal duty to consult about an intent to dispose of real property”.
We local citizens are interested in the best use of this property for the greatest good, and our hope that the agricultural use of the property will continue has been soundly supported by a petition in Parliament, City of Surrey Council endorsements and an overwhelming petition of approximately 85,000 signatories to protect the land through the Agricultural Land Reserve. See our website, beautifulbrookswood.com. It is not an exaggeration to identify the parcel as a piece of "critical infrastructure" relating to food security in the province.
In addition, the Federal government has emphasized the need to protect our natural environment. Approximately one third of the subject property is a natural forest that is enjoyed by the neighborhood and may host species at risk. We ask how best to protect the forest habitat of nearly 100 acres of this property, as a Biodiversity Reserve or Park. This forest was identified in the City's Biodiversity Conservation Strategy as a key biodiversity HUB linking to the Green Infrastructure Network GIN connecting to green corridors including to Langley's greenbelts.
Recently representatives of the Kwantlen, Katsie and Semiahmoo (KKS) people have suggested that they wish to see the industrial development of these lands as defined in the City of Surrey Campbell Heights planning documents. See this document. However, the City of Surrey has frequently stated that the agricultural use of the land must be maintained. See this video featuring two of City of Surrey Councillors. The KKS Indigenous people total approximately 1100 persons and some of them would greatly benefit financially if they were granted the land. But is this the best use, given its agricultural productivity and the food security needs of the Lower Mainland? We also understand there are Indigenous food programs e.g. the United Way. Two of the farmers of this land, Canadian Farms Produce http://canadianfarmsproduce.com and Heppell’s Farm https://www.heppellspotatoes.ca donate year round, thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables produced in these fields to local food banks. This helps feed hundreds of our most needy families. This parcel of land potentially provides First Nations groups with local, healthy food options within their traditional territories and could open up some connections to Chief and Council if established.
Finally, it is understood that currently, a determination of Federal, Provincial and Municipal government interest in the property has been put on hold. Perhaps that initiative to define interest and need should now be continued. If there is a demand for government use for the lands, decisions about disposal and ceding of the property could then be delayed and alternatives considered. This parcel of land represents a public asset that cannot be allowed to be lost to industrial development. Instead the market value could be provided in-kind to the Indigenous KKS to explore investing at other sites.
We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Nigel Bell with Rod Hull and Sarah Dennis
Note: This email has also been sent to approximately 50 local residents. Forward as you wish.
June 26, 2024. Media Consulatant Summary of the KKS Joint Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 26, 2024
KATZIE, KWANTLEN AND SEMIAHMOO NATIONS IDENTIFY PRIORITY CROWN LAND WITHIN TRADITIONAL TERRITORY FOR RETURN
k'ʷeq'ənəq traditional site in Surrey vital to First Nations’ future and reconciliACTION
Surrey, B.C. | Unceded traditional territories of the Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo First Nations |
The Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo (KKS) Nations have identified a parcel of land within their traditional territory — called k'ʷeq'ənəq (Kwek-en-nek) and known as Campbell Heights North in Surrey — to be returned to the Nations to support their cultural and economic future. The site consists of 300 acres of industrial-zoned land that has been declared surplus by the federal government.
The request was officially announced today at an event held jointly by the three First Nations in Surrey, near the parcel of land.
“We are coming together as three Nations, as a family, working together to honour the countless past, present, and future generations of our Kwantlen, Katzie and Semiahmoo people,” said Chief Marilyn Gabriel of the Kwantlen First Nation. “We owe that to them, and the government owes that to us. It's time. It’s not the time to talk anymore, it’s time for us to see k'ʷeq'ənəq returned to us. I cannot express enough how important this land is to us.”
“Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo — we are working together to take back this land we call k'ʷeq'ənəq,” added Katzie Councillor Rick Bailey. “As we do this work, each day we get stronger, and each day we realize that we can go further together. We have invited the government to jump on board and return this land to us so we can all go down this road together.”
As Coast Salish people, the relationship between the Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo First Nations is based on a common language, similar cultural and spiritual practices, a strong connection to the land and broad kinship ties that stretch back millennia.
This land within k'ʷeq'ənəq is a hub for Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo. It is where the three Nations have always crossed paths, and there is a vast trade network extending across these lands. Unfortunately, because of colonization, many of the traditional food resources and natural medicines used to trade are not available anymore, or they’re very limited. The Nations’ economies, therefore, need to change — and they must be the ones to decide the future economic uses of their lands.
“Both the governments of Canada and British Columbia have enacted legislation to adopt UNDRIP,” said Chief Harley Chappell of the Semiahmoo First Nation. “Unfortunately, we just keep hearing, ‘We're working out our UNDRIP plan,’ and we haven’t seen any real action taken yet. Government needs to be brave if it truly wants to enact reconciliation. Change takes bravery. We need somebody to be brave and support change so that we can truly see reconciliation in action.”
k'ʷeq'ənəq is the last substantial piece of Crown lands that the Nations are able to negotiate for in their shared traditional territory. As such, it has the potential to be a legacy that the three Nations and Canada leave to show how reconciliation can work in a very urban setting.
“Economic reconciliation is an extremely important and integral piece to the future of our communities,” said Chief Chappell. “Prior to colonization, we were the richest people in all the lands here, but our wealth was not monetary. Our wealth was access to land, access to resources and access to territories that we could hunt and gather on. That's where our wealth came from. Nowadays, that wealth has changed because we don't have that access to lands like we used to. The wealthy in this country have built intergenerational wealth off the resources and lands that are unceded, it's time for our Nations to have the same ample opportunities to do the same. Returning k'ʷeq'ənəq to our Nations will provide intergenerational wealth to our communities for years to come. This is a chance for Canada to turn the talk of reconciliation into reconciliACTION.”
The exact use of k'ʷeq'ənəq under Indigenous stewardship remains to be determined, but the Nations see a critical opportunity to work collaboratively with other governments in
pursuing prosperous and sustainable land use and management for the benefit of all. Currently, a single private industrial agriculture company has a subsidized lease to grow crops. In November 2022, the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) initiated a proposal to consider including this land into the Provincial Agricultural Land Reserve. However, the ALC ultimately concluded that it had no jurisdiction over these lands.
“We carry the teachings from those who have come before us, and we owe a responsibility to care for and protect our land and precious resources for future generations,” said Chief Gabriel “We value community and we value working together in a kind and respectful way. k'ʷeq'ənəq is part of our shared territories. We have been here since time immemorial and will continue to be here for countless more generations. We want to use this land to benefit our KKS Nations and the entire region for many years to come. We know this is possible.”
For more information, visit: www.KKSFirstNations.ca
Media Contact:
George van Rooyen
778.585.1047
Liam Sasky
Public Relations Consultant
Coast Communications and Public Affairs
778-522-9364
#310 - 319 West Pender St.
Vancouver, BC V6B 1T3
@CoastCommsPA
June 18, 2024. KKS Talking Points and the notice of a Joint Indigenous Announcement Claiming the Federal Property.
Backgrounder
k'weq'enq
About k'weq'ǝnǝq
k'weq'enǝq is currently recognized as federal Crown land, in Surrey, B.C. Several years ago, the federal government declared k'weq'anaq as surplus to their needs, which earmarks the land for disposition. This land is significant to Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo (the "Nations") because it is the largest piece of Crown land remaining in the Nations' shared territories, and thus, the largest piece of land that the Nations can feasibly regain control of for the benefit of their Nations and future generations. Traditionally, k'weq'eneq was used as a trade and travel route to enable commerce between the Nations - it provided a linkage between ocean and river resources and strengthened the Nations' relationships. The Nations historic occupation and use of this land is supported by several archaeological sites existing within the immediate area.
Request by the Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo First Nations
The Nations are working together to have k'weq'eneq, a piece of land which is integrally important to the Nations and declared "surplus" by the federal government, returned to them.
Since colonization, the Nations have had access to their traditional territory severely restricted. A growing population in the Lower Mainland and competing demands for an increasingly limited supply of land in the region has resulted in dwindling opportunities for the Nations to use their territories.
The Nations believe that the return of k'weq'eneq is a way for the Government of Canada to put reconciliation into action through the principles of respect, genuine acknowledgment, working together in a government-to-government fashion, and enabling the Nations to be active partners in moving Canada forward.
Returning k'weq'eneq to the Nations would also provide opportunities to unlock economic opportunity for the Nations, enabling more fulsome participation in the Canadian economy. It would allow the Nations to regain some of their economic independence lost to colonization and enable them to create opportunities and wealth that supports the long-term wellbeing of their people. Opportunities realized on this site would also provide significant ongoing benefit to local governments, the region, and the country in general.
Current use of the land
The roughly 300-acre parcel of land is currently being leased by the federal government at a below market rate to a private corporation that operates a farming business and is one of many pieces of land that this company owns or leases.
Misguided "Save the Farmland" Campaign
The corporation leasing the land has launched a "Save the Farmland" campaign that calls on the public and elected officials to join them in asking the B.C. Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) to protect this federally held parcel of land by adding it to the Agricultural Land Reserve
(ALR). A public hearing was held because of this campaign on January 23, 2023, at the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Auditorium in Langley.
The campaign and public hearing notwithstanding, the B.C. ALC has no authority or jurisdiction over this parcel of land, as it is federally owned and has always been intended to be industrial land. The parcel is listed in Surrey's Official Community Plan as Industrial, and in Metro Vancouver's plan as Mixed Commercial: the only reason this land has ever been used as agricultural land is that Canada had historically used the land to house a radio tower and wanted to generate a bit of additional income which would not interfere with that use. Now, there's no more reason for Canada to have a radio tower there (hence Canada's disposition of the land).
In November 2022, the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) initiated a proposal to consider inclusion of this land into the Provincial Agricultural Land Reserve. However, on June 21, 2024, the ALC ultimately concluded that it had no jurisdiction over these lands. In its findings document, the ALC stated that: "In the circumstances of the ongoing negotiations between KKS and the Government of Canada, including in particular the length of those negotiations and the scarcity of federal Crown land in the claimed traditional territory of KKS, inclusion of the Lands in the ALR would not carry out the intent of the ALCA."
As it stands, this 300+ acre parcel is generating about $4,000.00 in taxes for the City of Surrey (to be used for critical services such as schools, police, etc.). If k'weq'enǝq were used at it's highest and best use (like the parcel across the road), it would generate about $29,000,000.00 in tax revenue to be used by the City of Surrey for essential services. Using this critically important land for the benefit of one corporation is not the right path for anyone but that corporation.
The corporation leading this lobbying effort has politicized these lands, causing confusion and frustrating the transfer process for the Nations. Furthermore, the rights that the Nations have to k'weq'ǝnǝq, along with their past and ongoing efforts to secure interests in these lands, were never considered by the campaign organizers. At no time did the company mention the Nations' decades long engagement with the federal government over the future of this land, nor was any attempt made to meet with the Nations prior to the campaign being launched. Of course, there is a lot of available farmland (and land within the ALR) in Surrey or the Lower Mainland that this corporation could farm.
The arguments that protecting this land is essential for local food security are misleading and only consider one very small piece of the relevant information, to the prejudice of everyone but the corporation. As a result, the campaign is misguided and illustrates a fundamental misunderstanding (or distortion) of the history of this parcel of land and its intended purpose, as well as ignoring Indigenous rights.
Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo Partnership
As Coast Salish people, the relationship between the Nations is based on a common language, similar cultural and spiritual practices, a strong connection to the land, and broad kinship ties that stretch back millennia.
The Nations have been working together to support their shared views on nationhood, self- government, and stewardship over their lands for many years. This work formally began in 2013
when the Nations established a joint protocol related to the joint acquisition of lands within their shared territories.
The Nations are committed to further strengthening this partnership to advance shared interests in their rights, including title. This important work is an essential part of honouring the commitment and sacrifices of the Nations' ancestors and ensuring that future generations will be able to live more secure, fulfilling, and prosperous lives on their traditional and unceded lands. Above all, after reacquiring k'weq'eneq, the Nations will ensure that k'weq'ǝneq is used as its highest and best use to benefit all Canadians: this is reconciliation.
UNDRIP and DRIPA
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is an international instrument adopted by the United Nations in 2007. It enshrines the rights of Indigenous peoples to their lands, territories, and resources. It also recognizes their right to self- determination, cultural identity, and social and economic development. It has been adopted by many countries, including Canada, and has influenced indigenous rights policies worldwide.
The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) is provincial legislation passed in British Columbia, Canada, in 2019. The act requires the government to align its laws with UNDRIP, develop an action plan in consultation with Indigenous peoples and report annually on progress. It is a significant step towards implementing UNDRIP in B.C. and promoting reconciliation with indigenous peoples. Implementing UNDRIP and DRIPA requires significant changes in laws, policies, and practices. It also requires meaningful engagement and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) 94 Calls to Action and ReconciliACTION
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action originated from the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, which was the largest class-action settlement in Canadian history. The Agreement was implemented in 2007 and led to the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The Commission spent six years traveling across Canada, hearing from over 6,500 witnesses, and hosting seven national events to engage the Canadian public, educate people about the history and legacy of residential schools, and share and honor the experiences of former students and their families. The Commission's final report, released in 2015, included the 94 Calls to Action, which are recommendations to further reconciliation between Canadian settlers and Indigenous Peoples. The calls are categorized into child welfare, education, language and culture, health, justice and reconciliation.
ReconciliACTION
ReconciliACTION is a direct response to the TRC's 94 Calls to Action, which emphasized the need for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. It aims to promote awareness, education, and action towards reconciliation, focusing on building cultural understanding and improving the lives of Indigenous people. ReconciliACTION encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to take concrete steps towards reconciliation, recognizing that everyone has a role to play in this process. It is also part of a larger movement in Canada, involving various initiatives, organizations, and individuals working towards reconciliation and Indigenous-settler relations. ReconciliACTION is deeply connected to the histories, cultures, and experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada, acknowledging the historical injustices and ongoing legacies of colonialism and oppression.
February 28, 2024. Response from Sie Lassen of Public Works and Government Services Canada
From: Lassen, Sie (SPAC/PSPC) <Sie.Lassen@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca>
Date: Tue, Feb 27, 2024 at 11:20 AM
Subject: RE: 2324-333 Comments from the Real Property Internet Site re: Federal property located at 3884 192nd Street, in Surrey, BC
To: Nrobertbell@gmail.com <Nrobertbell@gmail.com>
Cc: Info DGBI / RPB Info (TPSGC/PWGSC) <TPSGC.InfoDGBI-RPBInfo.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca>
Dear Mr. Bell,
This is further to your email of February 16, 2024, enquiring on the Federal property located at 3884 192nd Street, in Surrey, BC.
In response to your questions, please kindly see below:
Q1: I understood that PWGSC would be undertaking a poll of government interest in continued use of the property by Federal Departments. Is that still on the back burner?
A1: Pursuant to the Treasury Board Directive on the Management of Real Property (the Directive), Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has been engaged to manage the disposal of the property in Cloverdale on behalf of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). As outlined in Section 4.2.36 of the Directive, the disposition of a property includes a component for due diligence, as well as a “solicitation of public purpose interest” (SPPI), where federal departments, agent Crown corporations, provinces, municipalities and Indigenous groups can identify a public purpose interest in the property.
The disposition of the Cloverdale property is currently paused to allow ISED to address recent developments on the file. As such, no timelines have been set for the launch of the SPPI.
Q2: It is understood that in the interim, the agricultural use of the property continues with single year contracts. Correct?
A2: The property is currently being used for agricultural purposes. ISED is unable to disclose the terms of the lease as it contains sensitive commercial information.
Q3: Given the Indigenous stance, does this file now involve other Federal Government interests? If so, can you provide further clarification?
A3: PSPC is managing the multi-step disposition of the property on ISED’s behalf as per the Directive. PSPC provides recommendations to the disposing department (in this case, ISED) and supports ISED in making decisions. As per Sections 4.2.30 and 4.2.31 of the Directive, ISED “must consult with the Department of Justice Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada when the Crown contemplates a disposal of real property by way of sale, exchange, gift, easement, transfer of administration, or transfer of administration and control”. ISED must also “consult with Indigenous peoples when there is a legal duty to consult about an intent to dispose of real property”.
I hope this information is helpful.
Please continue to use the RPS General Inbox email address (TPSGC.InfoDGBI-RPBInfo.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca) for all future correspondence.
Yours sincerely,
Sie Lassen
September 12, 2023. Response from Mike Bandy of the Agricultural Land Commission
Hello Nigel,
There is nothing additional to report on the matter at this time – the Commission is still in dialogue with affected parties.
Regards,
Mike Bandy | Regional Planner
Agricultural Land Commission
201 – 4940 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC, V5G 4K6
T: 236.468.3276
ALC.Referrals@gov.bc.ca | www.alc.gov.bc.ca
From: Nigel Bell <nrobertbell@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 9, 2023 3:19 PM
To: ALC Referrals ALC:EX <ALC.Referrals@gov.bc.ca>
Subject: Re: Inclusion of Surrey Federal Land in ALR
Hi Mike,
As of this date, I have not been able to find any additional submissions as suggested in your last email.
Can you advise?
Best regards,
Nigel Bell
July 25, 2023. Response from Ben Black of Federal Public Works
Hi Nigel:
Thanks for your patience with me in providing a delayed response. It’s been a busy spring/early summer!
While I can’t provide the overall report to you, what I can identify is that the report found that overall, there were no species at risk identified at the site, specifically in the forested area. There is a potential critical habitat for Oregon Forestsnail and further targeted Oregon Forestsnail survey work would be required if any potentially planned project works were to take place. Environmental and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) identified critical habitat for Species at Risk Act (SARA) threatened barn owl, however the site does not possess any critical habitat attributes. Critical habitat suitability survey is recommended to confirm the site is not a critical habitat for barn owl.
Please let me know if you have any further questions/concerns. At this point, any further outreach with the City of Surrey/Province/etc is being deferred while we work through the consultation process with the Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo First Nations.
Sincerely,
Ben Black, BA, MURP (He/Him/Il)
Regional Manager, Real Estate Services
Public Services and Procurement Canada / Government of Canada
April 11, 2023. Response from Agricultural Land Commission to Request re Progress
Hello Nigel,
The Commission has not yet made a decision on the proposal, and at this point I can’t provide an accurate estimate of when a decision will be made. The Commission has extended the opportunity for the City of Surrey, the Government of Canada, and affected First Nations to comment on the proposal, and will consider the matter upon receipt of input from the above parties. Submissions from the above parties will be compiled and made available on the ALC website once all submissions have been received.
Updates will be posted here as the project progresses:
https://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/proposed-alr-inclusion-of-federal-lands-in-the-city-of-surrey/
Regards,
Mike Bandy | Regional Planner – South Coast, Island, Kootenay
Agricultural Land Commission
Hello Mike,
Just a further question concerning the Federal Lands in Surrey.
Ben Black of Federal PSPC advised that a response letter was sent from them to the ALC concerning the possible inclusion of the Federal Land in the ALR. Can you advise where I can find a copy of this letter?
Best Regards,
Nigel Bell
On Tue, Apr 4, 2023 at 1:14 PM Nigel Bell <nrobertbell@gmail.com> wrote:
Mike Bandy,
I believe it was suggested that the Commission would be making a decision in March of this year about including the Federal Land at 3884 192nd Street in Surrey in the Agricultural Land Reserve.
Can you advise about the status of this?
Best Regards,
Nigel Bell
Wed, Apr 5, 2023. Request for update from Ben Black, PSPC re Species at Risk and ALR status.
Hi Nigel:
Thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately given how this file is tracking there isn’t a lot of information I can share at this point.
I can say that the Species at Risk work was conducted and completed about a week ago. We’re meeting with our environmental teams to better understand the results of the report. This will be taking place over the next few weeks.
I can’t comment on the current federal position with respect to the ALC’s actions on this file. We did provide a response letter to the ALC many weeks ago which I’m surprised hasn’t been posted on their website along with all other feedback.
You may be interested in checking in with the ALC to see if it has been posted on their website and if so, where.
Sincerely,
Ben Black, BA, MURP (He/Him/Il)
Regional Manager, Real Estate Services
Public Services and Procurement Canada / Government of Canada
From: Nigel Bell <nrobertbell@gmail.com>
Sent: April 1, 2023 5:05 PM
To: Black, Ben (SPAC/PSPC) (il-lui / he-him) <Ben.Black@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca>
Hi Ben,
This is just a follow up to my previous email. Two questions:
-
A report concerning Species at Risk on the subject property was, I believe, due in March of this year. Has the report been received, and if so, can its conclusions be shared?
-
The Agricultural Land Commission has indicated its intent to place the subject lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve. This is supported by the City of Surrey, but three Indigenous groups have intervened in this process. What is the current Federal position?
Best regards,
Nigel Bell
January 18, 2023.
The following is the response to Federal Petition e-4128 (Agriculture) by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne. Innovation Science and Industry is the custodial department for the Federal Land.
"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of robust food systems for Canadians. The Government of Canada’s management of real property is guided by the Treasury Board Directive on the Management of Real Property. The objective of the directive is that real property is planned, acquired, used, and disposed of in a manner that supports the delivery of programs and services to Canadians while ensuring best value to the Crown. Accordingly, when federal departments no longer have a program requirement for real property, they are encouraged to declare the land surplus and return it to productive use within the community. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has been in the process of disposal of this property, in accordance with the terms of the directive, but has delayed the next step – the solicitation of public purpose interest with relevant parties – while the Department addresses recent developments on this file."
This Federal file has now been taken over by Ben Black, Regional Manager, Real Estate Services, PSPC
December 22, 2022. Ben replied as per the red text that follows.
Hi Nigel:
My responses are listed below in red font.
Sending best wishes along to you as well during the holiday season!
Sincerely,
Ben Black, BA, MURP (He/Him/Il)
Regional Manager, Real Estate Services
Public Services and Procurement Canada / Government of Canada
Hi Ben,
Thanks for the response. I have three things I would like to ask about:
-
What is the Federal position regarding the possible inclusion of the property in the Agricultural Land Reserve? I’m unable to comment on the federal position with respect to the ALR consideration at present. Canada is considering this recent news and the impact it may have on the sale of the property and will evaluate all factors in making a final decision relative to the property. In an update recently provided to the First Nations (Kwantlen, Katzie and Semiahmoo), the City of Surrey, MVRD, the Lessee (Heppell’s), amongst other interests we indicated that Canada will be taking some additional time to hear input from the three first nations to ensure we fully document any information they may have relative to their historical use/association with the site. For that reason, the solicitation of public purpose interest to the stakeholders will be deferred until we have the information mentioned above.
-
Is the inventory of interest in use of the property completed? If so, can you disclose those interests? It is not. As per the response to #1, this process has been paused until further notice pending important work with Kwantlen, Katzie and Semiahmoo. The three nations requested Canada pause the solicitation process to allow sufficient time to review historical use/association information with them over the coming months.
-
Has the Species at Risk study been completed? If so, can you share? The work is underway. A draft report is expected in March 2023.
-
Has the Indigenous interest in the property been clarified? Can you share? As per the answers to #1 & 2 above.
Best wishes of the season,
Sincerely,
Nigel Bell
December 19, 2022
Hi Ben,
Thanks for the response. I have three things I would like to ask about:
-
What is the Federal position regarding the possible inclusion of the property in the Agricultural Land Reserve?
-
Is the inventory of interest in use of the property completed? If so, can you disclose those interests?
-
Has the Species at Risk study been completed? If so, can you share?
-
Has the Indigenous interest in the property been clarified? Can you share?
Best wishes of the season,
Nigel Bell
October 21, 2022
He responded to a request for information about what appeared to be a tour of the Federal Land and that was observed by a neighbour.
To answer Shauna’s question below, we haven’t been made aware of any event taking place around the ISED Cloverdale site. It may be something that was organized by the Heppell family which we wouldn’t necessarily be privy to.
I can verify that the only activity that PSPC (on behalf of ISED) has requested on/around the property of late is an updated appraisal for the property and a Species at Risk study to examine what sensitive wildlife/ecosystems may be present.
I’ll verify with our client in Ottawa but they have not made us aware of anything that would involve a tour bus/politicians. The level of interest from all parties remain high on this site.
June 10, 2022. This Refers to the Latest Status of the Federal Disposal Process Currently Underway.
I spoke with federal Public Works today to understand the current status of the disposal process which is underway for the Federal property in Surrey that is bordered by 192nd Street and 36th Ave. ISED’s Cloverdale Site was declared surplus to its program requirements in 2016 and PSPC was engaged to undertake the necessary disposal with due diligence in accordance with TB’s Directive on the Management of Real Property. In reference to 4.2.34, PSPC plans to formally solicit expressions of public interest from all levels of governments and Indigenous groups later this year for further discussions into next year. Note that in the Directive, section 4.2.34 under heading 4.2 reads as follows:
Real property practitioners in a custodian department are responsible for the following: Soliciting expressions of public purpose interest in all or a portion of the site simultaneously from federal departments, agent Crown corporations, provinces, municipalities, and Indigenous groups;
Discussions with First Nations interests are ongoing. It was emphasized that this falls into the federal legal sphere and not under the disposal policy . It is understood that any possibility of including the land in the ALR will need to await the results of the request for expressions of interest. Action to alter the Surrey Campbell Heights plan to include the federal agricultural and woodland current use is independent of the federal disposal policy. This means that efforts to persuade Surrey to alter that plan should continue. I will post this to Beautifulbrookswood.com website. In support of our efforts to preserve these lands, please feel free to circulate this message as you wish.
Nigel Bell
Dialogue with Billy Ng, Real Estate Advisor for Public Works and Government Services Canada
May 4, 2021
Hi Nigel,
Thanks for the call last week to discuss recent questions raised by Brookswood Neighbours (via emails/calls).
As discussed:
1. With regards to your “Federal Land Website” email (attached), we wish to acknowledge receipt of your email and thank-you for sharing your website with us.
2. With regards to your “Future Land Transfers” email (attached), we wish to acknowledge receipt of your email and thank-you for sharing the news article with us.
3. With regards to an earlier call requesting for the contact info of Indigenous groups under consultation, we will ask the Indigenous groups if they wish to be contacted and let you know. We will likely have another meeting with them this summer and will let you know then.
Thanks again.
Billy Ng
April 8, 2021
Just got off the phone with Billy Ng of PWGSC. He advised that they are waiting for Treasury Board to approve the next stage regarding the Federal Lands. The next stage is his department going out to the other federal departments to ask if they have an interest in the property. This should happen by the end of this year. There are no plans to sell the property at this time.
I asked if he could reveal who the principal Indigenous group is that is involved in negotiations. He said he would advise, but needed to seek a legal opinion first.
We confirmed our understanding of the City of Surrey position and the Campbell Heights plans.
He revealed that our correspondence to other federal departments resulted in his needing to respond as that correspondence comes back to him. I said that that has the effect of raising awareness...
Nigel Bell
Feb. 9, 2021, 3:07 p.m.
Thank-you for your interest in Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)’s surplus property (“Cloverdale Site”) in Surrey, BC. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is assisting ISED in the divestiture of this property in accordance with Treasury Board’s Directive on the Sale or Transfer of Surplus Real Property, available online at: https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=12043.
As part of the divestiture process, we will circulate this property to all other federal departments/agencies/Crown corporations, provincial ministries and local regional/municipal governments to provide them an opportunity to acquire this property for a public purpose that could include environmental protection and/or conservation. This is in conjunction with our current, ongoing consultation with local Indigenous groups as well. The pending circulation will include a property description and, in it, will include description of the forested area (including Anderson Creek). We understand our circulation will reach all government entities with environmental protection and/or conservation mandates and programs for their considerations.
Based on our current divestiture schedule, our circulation is anticipated to occur later this year followed by discussions with interested entities.
Warm regards,
Billy Ng
Real Estate Advisor,
Real Estate Services
Public Works and Government Services Canada
Government of Canada
219 - 800 Burrard Street,
Vancouver BC V6Z 0B9
billy.ng@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca | Telephone: 604-764-5803 | Facsimile: 604-775-6634
Subject: Federal Land in surrey
Dear Billy,
I am a resident of Brookswood, a neighborhood in the Township of Langley, British Columbia. I am writing to you in regards to a piece of land, owned by the federal government, that is located on the border of the City of Surrey and the Township of Langley.
The approximate area of this land is along 196th-192nd, and between 36th and 44th ave. The property is on the Surrey side and is part of a long term plan for industrial development. Part of this land is actively used for farming, and I have read an email from the farmer of the land, who wrote the following; “The soil is some of the best and limited amount of class 1 soils we have in the province, and ideally situated as far as our traditional weather patterns go for early to market AG products”.
The other portion of the land is old and new growth forest. The forest is full of wildlife, wildflowers, a river, and lush trees. On any given day, you will see woodpeckers, blue jays, owls, squirrels, and in the past deer. Deeper into the forest is Anderson Creek, which appears to be an active salmon run. Along the creek are eagle nests. Several residents (including myself) have seen up to 20 eagles hunting the river and forest for food. This forest is not only home to an abundance of wildlife, and it's also one of the few forests left in the area.
In recent years, developers and the City of Surrey cut down hectares of forests to make space for Campbell Heights development. Please don’t let this happen to this last untouched area. The residents of the area want to continue to enjoy the beauty of the forest and all the lives in it.
Thank you for your support.