The History of Salish (seyləәš) Park

The Salish Park Subdivision plan got its official start with an approval from the City of Vancouver in December of 1971. The 137-lot subdivision was then registered in the City of Vancouver Land Registry Office in January of 1972. A Real Estate company called Salishan Developments subsequently leased a parcel of 49 lots from the Musqueam Band’s company, Musqueam Enterprises Ltd. Some of the early homes sold in 1973 for a sale price of $29,463; for this sum, a family received the deed to a 100 year prepaid lease (December 13, 1973 until Dercember 31, 2073) from the Minister of Indian Affairs.

In 1991 the Salish Park Subdivision Properties were transferred from the Vancouver Land Registry to that of the Indian Land Registry. Our property taxes which were previously paid to the City of Vancouver, are now paid directly to the Musqueam Band at a mill rate that will not exceed that of the City of Vancouver.

Salish Park comprises 145 homes financed by pre-paid leasing agreements, whereas the leases in the adjacent Musqueam Park subdivision comprises 75 homes financed by annually-paid lease agreements.

The Salish Park Leaseholders have a 100 year prepaid lease agreement and the Musqueam Park Leaseholders pay on a yearly basis. A joint Musqueam Park/Salish Park Association was formed in the late 1980s, to formally discuss common issues and communicate with the Band,  In the 1990s, when it became apparent that the lease arrangements in Musqueam Park were far different than those of the prepaid leases of the Salish Park leaseholders, two separate associations were formed.

The Salish Park Leaseholders’ Association executive, has over the subsequent years, successfully resolved a number of issues between its leaseholders and the Band. Relations with the Musqueam Band have been cordial and business-like. We enjoy all the services of the City of Vancouver. Residents have often been invited to join Band members for lunch and entertainment on Aboriginal Day held in June. We look forward to many years of continued good relations with the Musqueam Band.