Latest news with #Tsleil-Waututh
Hamilton Spectator
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
B.C., Vancouver, First Nations sign deal to partner in planning, hosting World Cup
VANCOUVER - British Columbia's government, the City of Vancouver and three First Nations have signed an agreement to co-operate on hosting the seven World Cup games being played in the city next year. In a ceremony on Friday, Premier David Eby, Mayor Ken Sim, Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow, Squamish Nation councillor Wilson Williams and Tsleil-Waututh councillor Deanna George signed a memorandum of understanding to ensure 'interests of the nations are reflected throughout' the planning and hosting of the games. Sparrow said the location of the ceremony — a facility on Musqueam land used during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games — is symbolic of how local communities can benefit from events such as the World Cup. The B.C. government said the agreement is a framework on how the five parties will work together in planning, staging and hosting the World Cup games, as well as developing approaches to shared opportunities. Organizers are expecting the seven World Cup games in Vancouver to draw about 350,000 spectators to BC Place Stadium and to add more than a million out-of-province visitors between 2026 and 2031. They say that will generate direct and indirect provincial tax revenues of up to $224 million. The B.C. government issued a release this week saying the net core provincial cost of hosting the games is in the range of $85 million to $145 million. Organizers announced last year that the estimated cost of hosting the seven games more than doubled to between $483 million and $581 million, which includes costs for the city, the province and stadium upgrades. Eby said the agreement gives the province a unique opportunity to not only demonstrate the co-operation between governments and First Nations, but to also showcase Indigenous culture to the world. 'In this time of global turmoil and strife, it is a chance to demonstrate how we do things in British Columbia, how we work together to create something amazing,' Eby said. 'It is a huge opportunity for us culturally, economically, and yet another chance to demonstrate the British Columbia way of doing business.' Sparrow said the Musqueam community had relied on 'a small piece of grass' for its soccer needs before the 2010 Olympics, but the Games brought about the construction of the current facility, featuring a turf field, a grass field and a clubhouse. 'Where we stand today was how we came together in the 2010 Olympics and put our differences aside and came together as family and worked together,' Sparrow said at the ceremony site on Friday. 'Now that we have a place for our kids to play. And that shows how when we come together and our sport brings us together, that we have the opportunity now for our kids to have a place.' Williams, the Squamish chief, said the World Cup — with the First Nations acting as host partners — presents B.C. with an even greater opportunity to draw more major international sporting events. 'The experience when people come off those planes, come ashore, come and visit, the retention of the experience they're going to have is going to be so memorable and so strong, there's no way they're going to turn down a request that we're hosting the World Cup in the future — and any world international event for that matter.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 27, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
B.C., Vancouver, First Nations sign deal to partner in planning, hosting World Cup
VANCOUVER – British Columbia's government, the City of Vancouver and three First Nations have signed an agreement to co-operate on hosting the seven World Cup games being played in the city next year. In a ceremony on Friday, Premier David Eby, Mayor Ken Sim, Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow, Squamish Nation councillor Wilson Williams and Tsleil-Waututh councillor Deanna George signed a memorandum of understanding to ensure 'interests of the nations are reflected throughout' the planning and hosting of the games. Sparrow said the location of the ceremony — a facility on Musqueam land used during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games — is symbolic of how local communities can benefit from events such as the World Cup. The B.C. government said the agreement is a framework on how the five parties will work together in planning, staging and hosting the World Cup games, as well as developing approaches to shared opportunities. Organizers are expecting the seven World Cup games in Vancouver to draw about 350,000 spectators to BC Place Stadium and to add more than a million out-of-province visitors between 2026 and 2031. They say that will generate direct and indirect provincial tax revenues of up to $224 million. The B.C. government issued a release this week saying the net core provincial cost of hosting the games is in the range of $85 million to $145 million. Organizers announced last year that the estimated cost of hosting the seven games more than doubled to between $483 million and $581 million, which includes costs for the city, the province and stadium upgrades. Eby said the agreement gives the province a unique opportunity to not only demonstrate the co-operation between governments and First Nations, but to also showcase Indigenous culture to the world. 'In this time of global turmoil and strife, it is a chance to demonstrate how we do things in British Columbia, how we work together to create something amazing,' Eby said. 'It is a huge opportunity for us culturally, economically, and yet another chance to demonstrate the British Columbia way of doing business.' Sparrow said the Musqueam community had relied on 'a small piece of grass' for its soccer needs before the 2010 Olympics, but the Games brought about the construction of the current facility, featuring a turf field, a grass field and a clubhouse. 'Where we stand today was how we came together in the 2010 Olympics and put our differences aside and came together as family and worked together,' Sparrow said at the ceremony site on Friday. 'Now that we have a place for our kids to play. And that shows how when we come together and our sport brings us together, that we have the opportunity now for our kids to have a place.' Williams, the Squamish chief, said the World Cup — with the First Nations acting as host partners — presents B.C. with an even greater opportunity to draw more major international sporting events. 'The experience when people come off those planes, come ashore, come and visit, the retention of the experience they're going to have is going to be so memorable and so strong, there's no way they're going to turn down a request that we're hosting the World Cup in the future — and any world international event for that matter.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 27, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
21-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Burnaby sign agreement to co-manage Barnet Marine Park
The səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) will now oversee management and stewardship of a Burnaby park as a step towards reconciliation. Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the City of Burnaby signed an agreement Wednesday to co-manage saltaɬ (Barnet Marine Park), formalizing a partnership between the two to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the area, but also the cultural significance of the park . 'I think it's huge in the way of putting our face back onto the land in a big gesture,' said Tsleil-Waututh elected councillor Charlene Aleck. The co-management agreement will create opportunities for Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Burnaby municipal staff to work together to develop recreational use of the park for the public and the nation. City of Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley said municipal staff will manage the park daily and make sure it's looked after and will work with the nation on making decisions around the park and how it will be used. Barnet Marine Park is a culturally, environmentally and historically significant area in Tsleil-Waututh traditional territory, the nation said . During the agreement signing ceremony, Aleck shared a few stories she heard on ties to the land. '[My mom] swam back and forth from what we know now as our reserve to saltaɬ over here, and her little cousin would paddle in the canoe behind her. Many stories like that where they'd stop and eat fish and I remember them saying it was so clear you could see almost to the bottom of the inlet,' Aleck said. 'Having that rich memory of who we are and what we've done here, and having it portrayed in this way, gives us such good feelings,' she added. On top of the agreement, the City of Burnaby relocated a pair of wolf eco-sculptures from the municipal hall to Barnet Marine Park facing the water. The eco sculptures were designed by Tsleil-Waututh Nation elders with flowers surrounding the two wolves. Tsleil-Waututh Nation youth and Burnaby city councillors joined Hurley in planting the flowers together earlier this year. 'They are meant to symbolize our shared commitment to work and grow together towards a future based on understanding, mutual respect and collaboration,' Hurley said. 'This is an important accomplishment, but it's just the beginning, and I look forward to continuing down the pathway, arm in arm together to reconciliation, as we know that's our goal, but it's going to take a lot of work to get there,' he added. Aleck said the co-management agreement is a positive step forward, bringing Tsleil-Waututh Nation's culture and history to the park, but also opening the door for future generations to see representation. The councillor hopes now with the co-management agreement with Burnaby, it will be a starting point for other municipalities to follow suit. 'I feel like it's a door that was never open for us in my childhood, but now for this generation and looking forward, it's kicked open more opportunity, more self-belonging and more acknowledgement,' Aleck said. Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
The Province
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The Province
Hastings Racecourse — and Whitecaps' — future no clearer after Tsleil-Waututh interest
The Whitecaps want to build a stadium where the Hastings Racecourse is. The Tsleil-Waututh are after the racecourse's casino licence. Get the latest from Patrick Johnston straight to your inbox The casino at Hastings Park in East Vancouver. Photo by Arlen Redekop / PNG A week after announcing they were working to take over the lease of Hastings Racecourse, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation has yet to speak about what, if any, future they have for horse racing at the venerable track. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Tsleil-Waututh chief Jen Thomas reiterated to Postmedia this week that the band's main focus is on acquiring the casino licence that comes with the proposed deal the nation has struck with Great Canadian Entertainment, which operates the racetrack and casino. The casino, which has more than 400 slot machines, opened in 2007. Horse racing has been taking place at Hastings Park since the 1890s. Under the terms of the deal, which is subject to financing and approval by regulators, the Tsleil-Waututh would take on the gaming licence for the racecourse as well as the operating agreement with the City of Vancouver — essentially a lease — for the property, which sits at the northern half of Hastings Park. The deal could close by the end of the year. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The operating agreement, which covers the casino building, the grandstand, the racetrack and infield, plus the horse barns and a small adjacent parking lot, expires next May. Notably, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation is not taking on the operation of the racecourse. No one has confirm for the record, but it is understood Great Canadian will continue to be the horse racing operator through the end of the current agreement. If the Tsleil-Waututh Nation have a plan for racing at the site, they are not saying. 'We are not that far in our discussions yet,' Thomas said. But what is clear is that Thomas, who is up for re-election as chief this month, saw an opportunity for the Tsleil-Waututh to put themselves at the table for future negotiations on the operation of the racecourse — or whatever might come on the property. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Yes,' she said, confirming this assessment. But not so fast, asserted David Millburn of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of B.C., which represents the owners and trainers who run their horses at Hastings. The casino licence, which permits the operation of the slot machines at the track, and the racing licence, which permits betting on the horse races, are tied together, Millburn insists. The provincial government allowed Hastings and Fraser Downs, B.C.'s other horse racing track, to add slot machines. 'The two are tied. The two are coupled. One doesn't exist without the other. That's our view,' Millburn said. If there's no horse racing, there is no casino, and vice versa, he said. Millburn is concerned about the future of horse racing at Hastings, given the lack of a lease beyond next May, the lack of information from Tsleil-Waututh about horse racing's future there, and ongoing rumours about the Vancouver Whitecaps and the mayor wanting to possibly build a new soccer stadium somewhere on the PNE site. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. If he were to speak with the Tsleil-Waututh, Millburn would suggest they apply to add gaming tables to the casino. And he would remind whomever takes up the lease beyond next May that horse racing is part of the licence. The Hastings casino generated the fifth-lowest total revenue ($18 million) out of the 24 casinos licensed by the B.C. Lottery Corp. in the province. Its revenues were dwarfed by local rivals such as Parq ($145 million), River Rock ($255 million), and Grand Villa ($231 million), which all generate huge slot machine profits as well as big-table game revenues. 'There's so much growth potential there, all you need to do is bring in some games. When people are deciding where to go for an entertainment option, and you've got a group and it's going out for the night, all the group doesn't want to play slot machines, which is really a solitary endeavour. People want to enjoy the life of a casino and maybe play blackjack, maybe play craps, or whatever. Ad so you'd be able to attract more people. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Earlier this week, the Whitecaps released a statement reiterating their desire to build a stadium on the PNE 'fairgrounds' — a distinction that seemed to seek to clarify that their ambition isn't necessarily to use the land where the racetrack currently sits, just somewhere on the portion of Hastings Park that isn't currently green. But it's clear that the future of the site is very much on the mind of Thomas. 'Now they're going to have to start talking to us,' she replied to the idea of the Whitecaps perhaps building where the racecourse is now. The city, though, is also standing firm. They manage the land on behalf of a provincial trust. Any decisions on the future of the Hastings Park complex would be up to the decision of council, not the park board. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Any land-use decisions remain under the jurisdiction of the City of Vancouver. The Tsleil-Waututh Nation, if they acquire the operating rights, would not have authority to make independent land-use decisions on the site,' the city said in a statement to Postmedia. Millburn was highly skeptical of the Whitecaps' plan. 'How realistic is that? You've got the Whitecaps currently up for sale. … The Whitecaps are saying: 'Please buy me,'' he scoffed. 'How about somebody buy the Whitecaps and they take them out of town? We've got a billion-dollar facility that is being upgraded in the form of B.C. Place (for the FIFA World Cup). Doesn't this just smack of positioning to get a better deal at B.C. Place? Rather than come out to Hastings, build a soccer stadium and then rely on transport to get people out to Hastings? 'I don't see it as realistic. But who knows, I'm not close to it.' pjohnston@ Read More Vancouver Canucks Sports News Vancouver Whitecaps Soccer
The Province
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Province
Tsleil-Waututh Nation reveals plan to buy casino at Hastings Park
Tentative agreement made to buy casino and related real estate as future of horse racing remains in question at storied site The casino at Hastings Park in Vancouver on June 9. Photo by Arlen Redekop / PNG A Vancouver-area First Nation is looking at getting into the gambling industry, with a plan to purchase the casino at Hastings Park in east Vancouver. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The Tsleil-Waututh First Nation announced Friday that it has signed a non-binding tentative agreement to buy the casino from Great Canadian Gaming Corp., and the related real estate, a roughly 16-hectare piece of the larger PNE grounds, from the City of Vancouver. 'It's something we've been looking at for almost 20 years, trying to get into the casino business,' Tsleil-Waututh Chief Jen Thomas said in a phone interview Monday. 'We've seen nations, and tribes across the border do this, and now this opportunity came across our table and we couldn't say no to having a discussion with Great Canadian.' In April, the Vancouver Whitecaps said it's in talks with the city about potentially building a new stadium on part of the city-owned Hastings Park, which is also known as the PNE grounds and encompasses about 66 hectares including the horse-racing track, casino, the Playland amusement park and the Pacific Coliseum. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Hastings Park in Vancouver on June 9, 2025. Photo by Arlen Redekop / PNG Thomas said that the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation hasn't had any discussions about a new soccer stadium. The First Nation would be subject to the same rules as any other entity operating a casino, and would be regulated by the B.C. Lottery Corp., Thomas said. 'We'll just have to dive right in and learn how to run it accordingly.' In the coming months, the nation will work with its financial adviser KPMG to analyze the deal, Thomas said, and the parties will continue to work on finalizing the terms. The deal doesn't include the racetrack beside the casino, Thomas said: 'It has nothing to do with the horse racing.' But it's unclear what the future will hold for horse racing at Hastings Park, which has hosted the sport since the late 19th century. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Hastings Park in Vancouver on June 9, 2025. Photo by Arlen Redekop / PNG David Milburn, president of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of B.C., said his group found out about the pending sale through the Friday news release but they hope that horse racing will continue at Hastings Park. In an emailed statement, the city said the sale of this property, as with any real estate owned by the City of Vancouver, would require approval by city council. Asked for details about how the Tsleil-Waututh announcement connects with city hall's discussions about a potential new soccer stadium on the PNE grounds, the city replied that it 'cannot disclose specific information regarding potential land-use matters.' Vancouver Coun. Mike Klassen said news of the pending deal with Tsleil-Waututh speaks to the strong interest in 'the future of Hastings Park as a destination for entertainment.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Klassen said that between discussions of a possible new soccer stadium at Hastings Park, and the new Professional Women's Hockey League team that will play out of the Pacific Coliseum starting next fall, plus the construction now underway on a new PNE amphitheatre that will host watch parties for next year's FIFA World Cup, 'there's just so much happening on those grounds right now.' What the PNE's new amphitheatre will look like when built. Construction began in spring 2024. Photo by Revery Architecture Klassen chairs the PNE's board of directors but said he doesn't speak on behalf of the PNE, only as a city councillor. Klassen said it's not clear right now what the future of horse racing at Hastings will look like, but that question has been a subject of public discussion since long before the recent news about the Tsleil-Waututh deal. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Horse racing obviously has an extremely long history at Hastings Park, but it's a form of entertainment that's not as popular as it once was,' Klassen said. Chuck Keeling, an executive vice-president at Great Canadian, said in an emailed statement that the company was 'excited to reach this first step with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.' 'It is business as usual in the interim for us and our team at Hastings, and there is much work to do before any definitive agreement may be reached,' Keeling said. SEwen@ dfumano@ Read More Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks News Sports News
