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“Policing services are currently being negotiated with the Regina Police Service in terms of how police service will be provided,” said city manager Chris Holden.

Photo by Michael Bell / Regina Leader-Post

Cowessess has also agreed to pay for any local improvements, any business improvement district levies and special charges levied against the land as well as pass and enforce compatible bylaws to ensure the use, development and improvement of the land is the same as if it was not reserve land.

“The city has been quite proactive as of late in strengthening partnerships with First Nations and it’s important in creating economic development opportunities and supporting growth in our city,” said Holden.

The city currently has MSAs with several First Nations including Carry the Kettle, Neekaneet, Cowessess, Piapot, Keeseekoose, Sakimay, Starblanket, and Kawacatoose.

On board with the additional MSA with Cowessess, Ward 10 Coun. Jerry Flegel did voice concerns over the timeline of the project.

Photo by BRANDON HARDER / Regina Leader-Post

He pointed to a gas bar that was announced by Neekaneet First Nation about four years ago that has yet to be built on a chunk of land near Diefenbaker Drive and Armour Road.

“What do we do with something like that that starts to be processed and then you don’t hear about it for four more years?” he asked city administration.

“It has to go to the federal government so I don’t know the timelines for that,” said director of city planning and community development, Diana Hawryluk. “After that it’s really up to the group when they want to develop.”

Ward 2 Coun. Bob Hawkins expressed strong support for the MSA and the future development and noted that Cowessses has been very successful in the enterprises it has undertaken.

“I have every confidence that success will be reflected in their developments proposals for this land,” said Hawkins.

The MSA will go to city council for a final vote at the end of the month.

jackerman@postmedia.com