The City of Saskatoon and Pelican Lake First Nation have signed urban reserve agreements, clearing the path to designate the First Nation’s land on St. George Avenue, the site of Adam’s Lumber, as an urban reserve. Mayor Charlie Clark believes Pelican Lake First Nation buying the historic Adams Lumber will create a new chapter for this business, the city and the province. He says, “The continued establishment of Urban Reserves in our city helps build opportunity for everyone into the future.”
The agreements address municipal and police services the City will provide, service fees the First Nation will pay in lieu of property taxes, and compatible land-use and development standards.
Chief Peter bill says, “This is just the beginning of our engagement with the City to create opportunities for our urban Band Members.”
Decisions on reserve designation are made by the federal government and once this property is designated as a reserve, it will become the ninth in the city. When a property transfers to reserve status it is no longer under City jurisdiction. The home reserve for Pelican Lake First Nation is located on Chitek Lake about 270 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon.