By Cara McKenna. photos from Sentinel archives

Tsawwassen First Nation is progressing on a mega industrial development that is set to make the post-treaty community a major economic force in Metro Vancouver.

The first phase of the development is beginning on 90 acres of industrial land and involves partnerships with major companies for various facilities that will be used for distribution, warehousing and light manufacturing. The developments are expected to generate thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in employment income.

And that’s outside of the massive numbers expected to come from the nation’s retail developments, which are nearing completion.

Chris Hartman, CEO of the TFN Economic Development Corporation, said there would soon be ten times as many jobs as there are Tsawwassen members, adding that opportunities will be extended to other First Nations.

“Before the end of this year, we could have almost a million square feet under construction to be completed by the middle to end of 2017,” he said. “I think people are recognizing the value of our particular location close to the port, but also serviced by Highway 17, Highway 99 and three railways.”

A significant part of the industrial development will be a container screening facility, in partnership with Port Metro Vancouver, which is expected to open in 2017. Also expected to open next year are a diesel cardlock facility in partnership with Canada, a 1.2 million square foot logistics facility in partnership with Great-West Life, and a trans-load facility in partnership with EuroAsia.

While the nation already has its hands full building the mega-development, Hartman said the nation will soon be seeking partners for phase two of the project, which will utilize more than double the land base used during phase one.