The Chief of a southern Saskatchewan First Nation says they came north with an economic development plan because the City of Saskatoon is open for Indigenous business.

Evan Taypotat and members of Kahkewistahaw council traveled to Saskatoon to sign the Municipal Services agreement for the proposed urban reserve.

The city provides municipal and police services with land-use and development provisions in exchange for payment in lieu of taxes.

Taypotat hopes to break ground soon on the gas station-convenience store with construction of a hotel-convention centre beginning in about a year.

He says they hope to improve the lives of community members and Saskatoon residents through job creation.

Mayor Charlie Clark admits there were some growing pains during initial talks but they were resolved quickly and the signing marks the end of a two year process after being approached by Kahkewistahaw officials.

Clark says the deal is a sign the city is committed to forging new relationships and stimulating growth.

The mayor is excited about development of the 40-acre commercial property on Claypool Drive noting there has been anticipation about the economic potential around Hampton Village south of the Airport.

Once the Federal Government gives the property official designation the area will become the city’s eighth urban reserve.