A brand new Nanoose First Nation owned and operated service station was a long-term strategic goal for the band. It took its first customers on Wednesday. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Open for business

‘It’s a game-changer:’ long awaited Nanoose First Nation service station opens

Jun 6, 2019 | 5:28 AM

LANTZVILLE — A much-anticipated service station on Hwy. 19 north of Nanaimo represents the beginning of further economic opportunities for Nanoose First Nation.

A strategically placed gas station and convenience store owned Snaw-Naw-As welcomed its first customers Wednesday, June 5.

Cindy Stern, CEO of the Nanoose Economic Development Corporation, said the service station will lead to additional local First Nations’ jobs.

“This kind of development not only generates revenue, but it also generates opportunities for the Economic Development Corporation to leverage other capital for growth and expansion.” _{Cindy Stern}

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Stern said the new commercial hub currently employs 14 people and a total of 25 are expected once a fast food restaurant opens in a few months.

Employment opportunities are not exclusively for Snaw-Naw-As members.

“It’s a beautiful representation of their community and their culture,” Stern said. “It’s exciting for the members who are working and have jobs here.”

Locally produced high-end Indigenous art will be available in the near future as well.

Stern said future economic plans for Nanoose First Nation include modernizing and expanding their nearby waterfront campground, as well as enhancing an existing aquaculture venture in Parksville.

A new traffic light at the intersection is fully operational at the Hwy. 19 and Lantzville Rd. intersection.

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Data supplied to NanaimoNewsNOW showed an average of 30,000 motorists travel along Hwy. 19 between Nanaimo and Parksville daily.

Snaw-Naw-As is a small First Nations settlement, home to roughly 140 members on just 160 acres.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes