Environmental assessment could delay Tranquille development another five years

A bid to assess a massive proposed Kamloops development for environmental impacts could delay the long-awaited project another three to five years. That's according to the Ministry of Environment which is considering an application from Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation that came in late 2023. No decision has been made on the application and it's not clear when one will come. The ministry said its environmental assessment office has taken on a "comprehensive review" of the project and it's working with Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc (SSN), the City and "other provincial agencies." "The application raised a number of complex issues, which required time to investigate and consider. The Environmental Assessment Act allows for a decision timeline to be extended if needed to ensure the decision-maker has time to thoroughly review the materials and make a well-informed, fair decision," an emailed statement from a ministry spokesperson read. READ MORE: First Nations blamed for delays on Tranquille redevelopment in Kamloops https://infotel.ca/newsitem/first-nations-blamed-for-delays-on-tranquille-redevelopment-in-kamloops/it104854 Environmental assessments typically take between three and five years if approved, but it varies depending on the complexity of the project and the proponent's "planning and engagement," according to a ministry spokesperson. It initially wasn't going to assess the project at all, but it's reconsidering because of SSN's application. Because of the application, the Ministry of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship hit pause on a water licence for Ignition's Tranquille project. Tranquille on the Lake would include up to 2,000 homes at the site of the former Tranquille sanatorium and surrounding abandoned community, while keeping some of the agricultural aspects, preserving a farming tradition that dates back to the early 1800s in the area. Ignition Developments has been working toward developing the Kamloops subdivision for several years. In April, the company took aim at the province for delays. Although the news release didn't clearly state how the province was causing delays on the project, it appears that Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc's attempt to force an environmental assessment was, at least in part, the reason for Ignition's outspoken but vague criticism of the provincial government. Company president Dan Fritz refused to comment on the connection between the company's April news release and the lingering potential of an environmental assessment spurred by SSN. The news release suggested the project has been "systematically stymied" by government. READ MORE: PADOVA CITY: Political, economic scandal once loomed over Kamloops Tranquille farm https://infotel.ca/newsitem/padova-city-political-economic-scandal-once-loomed-over-kamloops-tranquille-farm/it92097 Asked about the statement in April, Fritz told iNFOnews.ca that "at the least" any effort by the provincial government to make a decision has been "kicked down the road." Meanwhile, costs for construction have risen by up to 60% in the last four years, he said.  "Consider that after almost five years we do not have the end in sight – so who knows what the impact of the government’s delays on homes built at Tranquille are going to be," Fritz said. Although he wouldn't comment on SSN's attempts to intervene through the province, Fritz offered detailed claims about attempts to negotiate with the First Nations organization, which is a joint partnership between Tk'emlups te Secwepemc and Skeetchestn Indian Band. In letters to the environmental assessment office, Fritz said the company repeatedly tried and failed to meet with SSN leadership to negotiate the Tranquille project. "Ultimately it took 16 requests for meetings and 19 follow up requests over a 22 month time span to successfully arrange for a first meeting," he said in an October 2023 letter. READ MORE: The deep, dark and mysterious history of Tranquille Sanatorium and psychiatric institution https://infotel.ca/newsitem/the-deep-dark-and-mysterious-history-of-tranquille-sanatorium-and-psychiatric-hospital/it64157 That first meeting was in September 2020 where SSN demanded Ignition pay for a $700,000 cultural heritage assessment, something he said should only cost a tenth of that amount. Ignition also rejected a draft memorandum of understanding brought forth by SSN. Six months later, the company drafted what it called a "more reasonable" version for SSN. That was rejected and by April 2021, and SSN said it would no longer be meeting with them. In October 2021 and January 2022, Ignition was contacted by two archaeologists. Both said they were threatened by Skeetchestn that they'd be cut off from future First Nations contracts if they worked with Ignition, according to Fritz. Fritz also said SSN leaders asked for a list of all government approvals required for the project. He later learned SSN wrote to each of the government bodies he listed stating their opposition. The sweeping Tranquille property, which borders the Tranquille River and the banks of Kamloops Lake, is entirely within Kamloops city limits. It's not clear how involved the City has been in the process, however, as no letters to or from the municipality are visible on the provincial government's environmental assessment database. SSN refused to comment on the environmental assessment application and Fritz's claims. 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