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 NCN is actively pursuing a plan to establish an Urban Reserve in downtown Thompson.
NCN has developed a Municipal Services Agreement with Thompson, which has been submitted to the federal government and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada for approval.
The agreements will eventually see our busy Mystery Lake Hotel and surrounding NCN-owned lands become part of our urban reserve in the heart of Thompson. The region surrounding Thompson is part of NCN's traditional territority.
NCN believes that, as an economic initiative, it is important the benefits flow not only to our people but also to the communities in which we work. Accordingly, the draft Municipal Services Agreement states NCN will pay service charges, which are calculated and paid in the same way taxes are calculated and paid by other businesses in Thompson. As well, NCN agrees to pass land-use and development bylaws to ensure the urban reserve complies with standard municipal requirements and is operated in much the same way as other properties in Thompson.
New Office Complex
The agreement says we will not build a casino on these lands. Instead we will begin with an expansion and redevelopment of the Mystery Lake Hotel, followed by the development of a new office complex.
The economic benefits of this initiative will provide yet another vehicle to deliver long-term economic security to our young people, while providing additional employment opportunities.
Thompson City Council approved NCN's plan for the Urban Reserve at a February 7, 2005 meeting.
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