Today, the Department of National Defence (DND) announced the next steps for the divestment of the former military housing site in the Sainte-Foy area of Québec City. This announcement follows a multi-year engagement process with First Nations in the spirit of reconciliation, and other interested parties, in order to guide our decision.
In October 2020, DND sold, a 0.29-hectare plot of the land to the City of Québec for the widening of Hochelaga Boulevard. DND also plans to sell 0.98 hectare to the Québec Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and negotiations are underway to complete this transaction.
DND announced today that the remaining 10.98 hectares of land will be divided into two parcels and offered for sale to the Huron-Wendat Nation and the Innu of Pekuakamiulnuatsh, Pessamit, and Essipit First Nations. Approximately 80 percent will be offered for sale to the Huron-Wendat Nation, and approximately 20 percent for sale to the Innu of Pekuakamiulnuatsh, Pessamit, and Essipit First Nations.
We have invited the First Nations to discuss how the two parcels of land may be divided. We expect discussions on the exact division of the land to begin in summer 2023. It is anticipated that DND will make final offers to sell the land to the First Nations at the end of 2023. In the meantime, discussions will continue between all interested parties on these plans, which will help us reach final agreements that provide the greatest benefit to all community members.
DND is committed to effectively managing its infrastructure portfolio, including transferring or selling properties we no longer require, in consultation with communities across Canada. The Government of Canada, and DND, are steadfast in our commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
As part of this process, DND has been engaging with First Nations communities directly on the future of the Sainte-Foy lands and what that future will mean for Indigenous peoples. This decision reflects our commitment to promote reconciliation with First Nations and to bolster their economic autonomy.
