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Snuneymuxw reveals plans for Duke Point gas station

Feb 25, 2019 | 4:35 AM

NANAIMO —Snuneymuxw First Nation announced plans to open a gas station and convenience store in Duke Point later this year, which the band anticipates will lead to future economic development.

SFN councillor Erralyn Thomas said construction tenders are now being accepted to build the service station and small store on MacMillan Rd. near the Duke Point Hwy.

She told NanaimoNewsNOW the service station, located on the edge of their rural Cedar land, is slated to be operational late this year.

“It will provide jobs to our members so our household income can increase and the social-economic indicators bend in the trend of achieving prosperity.”

Thomas, who’s also president and acting CEO of the Petroglyph Development Group, said the business will be SFN owned and operated and will initially lead to jobs for five of their members.

A fuel provider has yet to be selected, Thomas said.

She sees the gas station as the beginning of further business opportunities for SFN. Thomas pointed to pending land acquisitions as a key catalyst to future economic growth.

“We’re looking at broadening this scope with this economic initiative and keeping on the horizon to develop the DND lands once they go to Snuneymuxw,” Thomas said.

Stz’uminus First Nation in Ladysmith owns a gas station, while Snaw-Naw-As First Nation in Nanoose Bay is in the midst of establishing a service station of its own on Hwy. 19 at Lantzville Rd.

 

Ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes