The Tsawwassen First Nation and TFN Economic Development Corporation announced last week agreements they have three major projects on the initial 70 acres of their serviced industrial land known as Tsawwassen Gateway Logistics Centre.
The three developments include a large warehouse facility, a container examination centre and a cardlock truck fueling facility.
"Agreements with the partners for these individual developments have resulted in strategic facilities which will benefit all stakeholders, local commerce, international trade and our member community," said TFN Chief Bryce Williams.
"We would like to extend our thanks to the federal and provincial governments. Their infrastructure funding in 2009 helped us service the first phase of these lands. As you can see, that investment is paying off."
The 2009 treaty provided TFN with a land base, financial assets and new authority and the TFN Economic Development Corporation was established to develop the land.
The largest project in the Tsawwassen Gateway Logistics Centre is GWL Realty Advisors Inc. developing 57 acres with up to 1.2 million square feet of warehouse facilities. The target opening date is mid-2016.
Port Metro Vancouver, along with the federal government, is investing in a new marine container examination facility to be located on 11.4 acres. Canada Border Services Agency expects to begin inspections at the facility in late 2016.
The third project is Chevron's commercial truck fueling station, which will be located on a one-acre site. The facility will service trucks en route to the Roberts Bank terminals. The target opening date is late 2014 or early 2015.
"These first three developments in our 330-acre Tsawwassen Gateway Logistics Centre are key to delivering on our mandate to create developments and partnerships that will generate revenues, and provide skills, training and employment opportunities for our members," said Chris Hartman, CEO of the TFN Economic Development Corporation.
An economic impact study estimates that TFN's current commercial and industrial projects alone will generate more than $348 million in construction employment income and $235 million in permanent annual employment income.
