琉璃神社鈥檚 Troika Management Corp. has completed a deal to help redevelop the former tourist information centre in Merritt.

The agreement with Spayum Holdings LP, the First Nations company that owns the property, and PR Petroleum will see the construction of a 30,000 square-foot commercial centre including restaurants, convenience retail, gas bar, dog park and western Canada鈥檚 largest electric vehicle charging station.

The first phase of Gateway 286 will recognize Nicola Valley First Nations culture and history, and commit to providing employment, training and economic opportunities for members of area First Nations.

鈥淭his is an important milestone for Nicola Valley First Nations who have invested so much time and effort over the past decade to bring this important initiative to life鈥�, said Susan Roline, chairperson Spayum Holdings.

Chief Stuart Jackson, Lower Nicola Indian Band, said the five bands that are a part of Spayum Holdings have waited 30 years for this moment.

鈥淕ateway 286 will provide employment and revenue to our five communities as well as a vital transportation hub for all the east and westbound traffic on Highway 5A.鈥�

Troika Management鈥檚 Renee Merrifield added all partners, including government agencies, are optimistic about the project.

鈥淲hich we think can be a model for real partnership and reconciliation that others can follow.鈥�

Construction is expected to begin this summer.

The land is in the Nlaka鈥檖amux and Syilx traditional territories, and a portion at Exit 286 was developed in 1985 by the province for a forest interpretive centre.

It was converted to a tourist information centre and operated by the City of Merritt until 2005 when the BC Tourism Association took it over, continuing operation until it was closed in 2018.

In 2021, the province transferred more than 28 acres of land to Spayum Holdings.

Approximately seven acres are being leased by the partnership for the new commercial project and land not covered by the agreement will present future development opportunities for Nicola Valley First Nations.

The federal government is also contributing a portion of the funding towards project development, however, the amount was not disclosed.

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