Alouette River development: Controversy, climate and reconciliation

 
The recent discovery of the bodies of more than 200 children buried in unmarked graves on the grounds of the Kamloops Residential School hit many of us in a visceral way that even the agonizing testimony from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) somehow did not seem to when it released its report in 2015.

The TRC’s final report contained 94 Calls to Action (CTAs). Many focus on federal and provincial accountability, but there are actions that local governments can take as well. One CTA is particularly relevant in Maple Ridge today.

The Union of BC Municipalities points to CTA #92, which calls for business (and by extension municipalities as incorporated entities) to:

• adopt and apply the principles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) to policy and land considerations 
• commit to relationship-building and consultation, and informed consent on economic development projects* 
• ensure equitable access to jobs, training, and professional development ensure Indigenous communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects 
• provide education for management and staff on Indigenous history, UNDRIP, Indigenous law and government-to-government relations.*

*emphasis is ours

Development proposal on the Alouette River

Recently a controversial development proposal on the Alouette River has exposed how very little of the important work of reconciliation has been accomplished at Maple Ridge City Hall.

The proposal is to build more than 25 homes along the south bank of the Alouette River at 240^th Street. Some of the land will be protected as wild space, but the overall density of the new homes at this location is raising serious concerns about the effects on the health of the Alouette River and the salmon stocks that rely on it. The Alouette River Management Society is so concerned that they are raising funds to take the City to court if the development is approved.

Failure to consult

Equally serious is the realization that the City has failed to consult with the Katzie First Nation on this proposal. Chief Grace George, when alerted to the proposed development by a concerned resident, wrote a two-page letter (p. 90 of the Public Hearing agenda) voicing strong objections to the fact that the process has unfolded without meaningful engagement on a project “that has significant potential to impact Katzie Aboriginal rights, including title.”

In an article in The Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows News, a city official is quoted as saying: “In this particular case, council resolved that no additional consultation was required beyond the posting of the OCP amendment on the city’s website, the developer-required development information meeting, and the city hosting a public hearing to consider the matter. 

“This is consistent with our normal development process and is compliant with the requirements of the Local Government Act. The Katzie First Nation did not express any concern as part of the original public hearing.”

This is all true. Not consulting with Katzie in matters that directly affect their rights and title is the City’s normal practice. And yes, this practice is also compliant with the current Local Government Act, which leaves it up to a city to decide whether or not to consult. Lumping the Katzie First Nation into the category of the general public is insulting, but it is not illegal.

But these practices are massively out of step with UNDRIP, which has been formally adopted by both the federal and BC provincial governments, the Calls to Action from the TRC, and the spirit of reconciliation.

And while the province works to embed UNDRIP principles in all its legislation, including the Local Government Act, municipal governments must show leadership and embrace opportunities such as this development process to embed the spirit of reconciliation within their practices and policies. There is nothing in the Local Government Act that prevents this.

In fact, when a development triggers a change to the Official Community Plan, as this one does, local governments are encouraged under section 475 of the Act to consult with first nations.

Climate and reconciliation

What does reconciliation have to do with climate change? As we learn more about the path to climate resilience, we are coming to understand the interconnectedness of environment and climate with social and economic health. 

Our planet is our life support system, and we cannot have a thriving planet if it isn’t a just one. Reconciliation in Canada is a path to climate justice that we must walk together, if we are to achieve a sustainable future in every sense.

Info session, and public hearing

 A public hearing on the proposed development is scheduled for Tuesday, June 15 at 7 p.m. This is a final opportunity to voice your opinions to Council, either in writing or in person, or both.

The Maple Ridge Climate Hub is hosting an online information session on Monday, June 14 at 7 p.m. Cheryl Ashlie, past president of ARMS, will present the ARMS perspective on the environmental issues surrounding the development proposal.

Register for the online information session.  

See the ARMS update on what you can do to help (pdf) for information on how to participate in the public hearing and/or send a letter or email to Council.