By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: Feb. 25, 2012
Is $2.95 million of tax payers’ money justified for an overpass that would connect a few hundred residents from the Totem Hall to the casino.
Absolutely, says Squamish Nation Chief Gibby Jacob.
And that is what he told the ministry of transportation and infrastructure officials when they walked in to negotiate.
Across from their table sat Squamish Nation representatives , including chief Jacob.
Jacob made one thing very clear at the beginning of the negotiations.
“We said show us good faith on this one. If not then there is the door,” Jacob said.
“Well, it’s done,” the officials said, eager to please.
“That was how quick it was,” Jacob told the Squamish Reporter.
And that’s how the Squamish Nation got the overpass, a $2.95 million amenity for which provincial tax payers will foot the bill.
While constructing the new highway, the province realised it would need some portion of the Squamish Nation land for a perfect right of way.
When they came knocking, Squamish Nation knew they had a good leverage for an overpass.
“We are good negotiators,” Jacob said, laughing.
“They needed to cut a deal and that is not something we are going to give for nothing.”
A similar deal had also been cut on the lighting signal at the intersection of the Valley Drive and Highway.99, he said.
Jacob candidly admits the ‘numbers’ just weren’t there to support the lights, but there was the leverage of the land.
A transportation ministry spokesperson said the overpass would provide a more direct and safer route for elementary school children travelling to the Stawamus elementary school.
“The pedestrian overpass will also connect to the District of Squamish Corridor Trail to allow pedestrians and cyclists a safer route for travelling through the District of Squamish,” the spokesperson said.
About 30 school children will use the overpass to access the school.
Jacob said it must not be forgotten that the overpass was a small amenity compared to the “awful amount of money” made using Squamish Nation traditional territories.
Forestry, mining, BC Hydro projects, Whistler Blackcomb Mountain and scores of other such projects have made a lot of money in traditional territories, he added.
“We look after our constituents and we are good negotiators,” he said.
Construction has already begun on the overpass that will connect the Totem Hall to the north of the Gaming Centre.
It will open in June.
Don Patrick says
The cost of one law suit for some kid getting run over trying to cross the highway without the overpass. Come on folks we have made our bed… not the time to realize that things should have been different, the bleeding hearts of the past have taken care of the situation…. tighten your belt and enjoy the ride.
Jim Harvey says
Years prior to the construction of the new highway, the Squamish Trails Society made a presentation to the Ministry of Highways outlining all of our concerns regarding east west pedestrian traffic in regards to the new highway. At that time we suggested that all new bridge construction be done in such a way as to accommodate walkways beneath the bridge spans including the proposed bridge over Stawamus Creek. In typical MoTH fashion they ignored non-vehicular concerns. It seems we are now paying the price for that oversight.
Chief Gibby Jacob says
My point I raised was a marked crossing at the intersection of Highway 99 and the entrance to our reserve not the overpass!!!! As there was a signalized intersection for Shannon falls for tourists I blieved that the 30 plus years our people of that reserve deserved the same consideration as tourist from elsewhere. Maybe not all kknow this but in the past history of our people the path of least resistance was through the scant pieces of oour lands known as reserves. If you looked at our reserves the either have rail lines, hydro rights of way, highway rights of way, bridges etc. So it was time for the province to step up and be accountable for the intrusion on our peoples safety and well being!