CALGARY – Global News has learned that a tentative agreement has been reached between the province and Tsuu T’ina Nation over the southwest ring road.
Transportation Minister Ric McIver confirmed there is an agreement in place, although none of the details are public yet.
“We spent a lot of time working with Chief and council to agree on terms that were fair to all parties, to the Tsuu T’ina people, to Calgarians and to all Albertans,” says McIver.
The plan still has to go to Tsuu T’ina band members for a vote. That vote will happen at the end of October.
The S.W. ring road has been in this spot before. In 2009, Tsuu T’ina chief and band council approved a route and deal but band members stunned the City by turning it down.
The mayor says things are different this time.
“The last time around the Tsuu T’ina people were asked in a referendum to vote on a deal where there was still quite a bit uncertainty. and I think from the city’s perspective we’ve tried to eliminate that uncertainty,” explains Mayor Naheed Nenshi.
Councillor Diane Colley-Urquhart reacted to the news Wednesday night saying she’s been waiting 13 years for a deal.
“I would say, cautiously, that this is good news, but that at the end of the day it’s up to the Tsuu T’ina to decide”.
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