Expanding a shrinking reserve
Lennox Island Band interested in developing subdivision in East Bideford
Members of the Lennox Island Band could soon be choosing a parcel of land in East Bideford for their next home. The Lennox Island First Nation has owned property across the causeway in East Bideford since 2001. Chief Matilda Ramjattan said developing a subdivision on the property is in the band’s capital plan and it recently got bumped up to third on the priority list. The shrinking land base on Lennox Island and the reality that some of the low land on their small island reserve cannot be developed, has helped push the subdivision up the priority list. “We do have a finite piece of land on Lennox Island,” the chief commented.
The island land base as well as the properties in owns in East Bideford and Fernwood (near Bedeque) will come up for discussion during comprehensive community planning sessions next month. Ramjattan said the community will be consulted on how to develop the subdivision. In the meantime, the band is preparing to get a survey completed of its East Bideford property.
“Once we get it surveyed then, at least, we can take it to the next level,” said the chief, indicating roads and other infrastructure including sewer and water will be needed. She said the band will be seeking federal funding as part of its five-year capital plan to help with the development. As to when the property will be settled, she said that will depend on funding and on band members wishing to settle there.
Those who do, will be entitled to the same services as fellow band members on Lennox Island, she said. Children in the East Bideford subdivision would attend school at the John J. Sark Memorial Elementary School.
Ramjattan said there is still land available for development on Lennox Island and a duplex and triplex will be constructed there this year.