Manitoba Chief says Kapyong deal could be close

WINNIPEG — A Manitoba chief involved in negotiations to acquire the vacant Kapyong Barracks believes a deal is close.

Long Plain First Nations Chief Dennis Meeches said they’ve received an offer from the federal government and plan to make a counter-offer soon.

“I’m hoping that within the next 30 days that we’ll be able to let Canada know this is the position of Treaty 1,” he said.

Meeches made the comments after a question and answer session at a conference to dispel myths about urban reserves.

He also told reporters that widening Kenaston Blvd. could be the first development seen on the vacant site. “There’s no reason to hold the city hostage on the expansion of that Boulevard. Because we are so close to an agreement I believe that the city should be in direct talks fairly quick with Treaty One and Canada,” he said.

Meeches wouldn’t discuss any details about the negotiations.

There are 54 urban reserves in Saskatchewan but only six in Manitoba, one of which is in Winnipeg.

Former city of Winnipeg planner Harry Finnigan says more education and consultation with residents near Kapyong Barracks is needed before development on the Kapyong site begins, “What has to happen is more understanding and education about how they’ve worked seamlessly in other cities.”

The large parcel of land, unused since 2004, is bordered on the east by Kenaston Blvd.

“Winnipeggers are getting tired of suburban sprawl and growth that’s occurring on the periphery. Here’s an excellent opportunity, a real centrally located parcel of land,” Director of Urban Studies at the University of Winnipeg Jino Distasio said.

He says developing the Kapyong lands will be an incremental process that could take a decade to unfold.