Government offices, veteran's memorial in Confederacy plans for farm

The Mi'kmaq Confederacy officially released its plan for the Agriculture Canada Research Station in Charlottetown to the public Friday.

The plan calls for a variety of development on the 35-hectare site, which sits in the middle of Charlottetown, including a seniors' assisted living facility, office space, an inn and restaurant, and an Institute for Indigenous Medicine Research.

Jeff Brant, director of socio-economic development for the confederacy said most of the area will be maintained as green space. "We're committing to 79 per cent green space — useable, functional green space that the public can actually use and enjoy," said Brant.

In addition to new residences for seniors, there will also be a high-end multi-family residential development. A new space to be known as the "apple chapel" will provide facilities for wedding ceremonies.

The plan also sets aside space to remember veterans.

"There's no veterans memorial park that we know of on P.E.I.," Brant said. "We need to do that. We need to give veterans a signal that we appreciate what they do, and that's the perfect opportunity."

The confederacy will now formally present its plan to Agriculture Canada, which still owns the land. The department declared the land surplus in 2002, launching the debate about what to do with it, but has since withdrawn that designation.

The confederacy believes when the federal government does decide to divest itself of the property, it must give native groups an opportunity to purchase it.

Large format pictures

Legend