Fraser Valley First Nation to buy motel, marina and townhomes

The economic development arm of a north Fraser First Nation says it is buying two Harrison Hot Springs businesses and a Chilliwack townhouse complex.

Sq’éwqel Development Corporation, the business arm of Sq’éwqel (Seabird Island) First Nation, is “in the process of acquiring” the Harrison Hot Springs Marina, the Harrison Grand Motel, and the Pine Court Apartments in Sardis, according to a Facebook post.

The band says it is buying the properties to generate investment revenue for the First Nation. The Facebook post says the sales are expected to be finalized “within the next three months.”

The marina is a narrow strip of land between Rockwell Drive and the lake. It includes 225 boat slips and a lease of 4.3 hectares of offshore space. It had been listed for sale for $5.9 million, as The Current reported in October.

The Pine Court Apartments had been listed for $6.5 million. The complex includes 36 townhomes. It had been a strata before its owners decided to list it for sale as a single entity. The site had been marketed as a prime investment opportunity, with land use rules permitting new mixed-use buildings on the site.

The Harrison Grand Motel sits along the village’s waterfront and was recently renovated.