Tsawwassen Mills – the huge malls on Tsawwassen First Nation lands – is opening its doors this month.

The destination retail centre contains 200 stores and features a Coast Salish ‘neighbourhood’ and artworks created by the nation’s members.

Mark Fenwick, the centre’s general manager, said there has been much anticipation for the malls and he’s glad to see the doors finally open on Oct. 5.

“We’re really pleased to be bringing this project to market,” he said. “It represents significant investment for the region.” He said his company, developer Ivanhoé Cambridge, is proud to have partnered with the nation.

Tsawwassen Mills is about 1.2 million square feet and consists of several different areas. Indigenous artwork will be present in many details of the mall, including on ceilings, benches and full installations.

“It’s been a good experience,” Fenwick said. “I think it’s a win-win all around.”

The nation decided to develop the mall as part of a wider development plan after it signed its treaty in 2008. It will receive ongoing lease revenue from the mall, which is expected to generate about 3,000 jobs.

More information about the centre, including a store list, can be found at www.tsawwassenmills.com.

Next opening for the nation will be Tsawwassen Commons, a separate outdoor mall that’s underway across the road from the Mills.