Lantzville Mayor Mark Swain (left) and Snaw-naw-as Nation Chief Gordon Edwards sign a new memorandum of understanding between their two governments. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

UNDERSTANDING

VIDEO: Lantzville, Snaw-naw-as Nation formalize new working relationship

Jun 19, 2021 | 9:53 AM

LANTZVILLE — The ink is dry on a new memorandum of understanding between the District of Lantzville and Snaw-naw-as Nation.

Officially signed at a ceremony in Nanoose on Friday, June 18, the document continues on the work done on an informal basis to date and creates better structure for both parties to bring ideas to the table.

Snaw-naw-as Chief Gordon Edwards told NanaimoNewsNOW the region is growing and the two communities must tackle those issues head on.

“We have a general understanding that there are going to be challenges, but the fact we’re going to sit down and talk about those challenges and put our issues on the table just helps us understand we want a good working relationship.”

The MOU highlights issues like land use planning, waste and water services, amenities and infrastructure as key areas of development.

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A working group will be created featuring administration from both parties and will bring ideas to their respective Council’s for action.

“It will allow us to follow a process, protocol where we respect each others interests in this territory, interest in the beaches…and the water in the area,” Edwards said. “A lot of us were raised here, the lands to the south and the north and inland are very much home to us, as they are to the Lantzvillagers.”

Lantzville Mayor Mark Swain said the MOU formalizes the collaboration already underway on shared issues, but does not present specific goals or projects.

He echoed Edwards’ remarks that the relationship will not always be smooth.

“There’s going to be our struggles and our triumphs, it’s going to come with any type of working relationship and we’re going to have our challenges. We’re both very proactive councils and there’s a willingness to work together which I don’t always think has been there.”

Discussions on the MOU began in December 2020 and comes into effect immediately.

The working group is due to be created in the next 30 days.

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alex.rawnsley@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley