Together as development partners, Huu-ay-aht First Nations and Forum Asset Management have retained Urban Strategies to lead the preparation of a Framework Plan for the Nations’ ḥahuułi (ha-houlthee, traditional territory) and strategic land holdings throughout the Barkley Sound region on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Once complete, the Framework Plan will establish a long-term vision to guide change and development within the ḥahuułi over a 20 – 30 year period, and will define key land uses, open spaces and mobility networks. The Framework Plan will establish key development, tourism and growth opportunities, to ensure long-term prosperity for Huu-ay-aht people, while aligning with the Nation’s sacred principles and objectives.
As part of this project, Urban Strategies has led a series of detailed visioning workshops with key representatives from the Nation and government, as well as members from the Nations’ economic development corporation and the hereditary ḥaw̓iiḥ Council. Urban Strategies has also led the public engagement process for the project, including targeted engagement sessions with elders and other knowledge keepers, staff from the regional district, and broader community open house events. The project will culminate in a series of high-level design concepts and framework-level structures both on a site-specific and territory scale to help Huu-ay-aht First Nations prioritize strategic investment in their lands, and to plan for long-term and sustainable stewardship over their territory.
Key Team Members
Christine Fang-Denissov
Sirous Ghanbarzadeh
