BENCHLANDS NKWÚKWMA INTERCONNECTS PEOPLE & PLACE
Nkwúkwma means “upstream, north”. It is also a social name for the location of the modern town of Pemberton, on the unceded territory of Lil’wat7ul.
HOW TO PRONOUNCE NKWÚKWMA
Benchlands Nkwúkwma plans to bring approximately 450 residential units to the land above the Pemberton Valley and meet housing needs in the Pemberton community for the next 20 – 25 years.
In 2008, the Village of Pemberton adopted the Benchlands Neighbourhood Concept Plan (NCP) which provided a land use framework to accommodate future housing needs situated out of the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) and the floodplain.
The NCP provided a comprehensive review of the lands (e.g., topography, environment, servicing) while recognizing the needs and aspirations of the Pemberton community. The Benchlands NCP included a new neighbourhood developed in eight phases, primarily comprised of single family lots. In 2013, key policy directions of the NCP were adopted by council into Pemberton’s Official Community Plan (OCP).
Skénkenam refers to the river, also known as Pemberton Creek, that flows on the southside of the village and into One Mile Lake.
HOW TO PRONOUNCE SKÉNKENAM
Skénkenam Development Limited Partnership (Skénkenam Development LP) has made an application to develop Phases 3, 5 and 7 of the NCP. Skénkenam Development LP is a partnership between Líl̓wat Capital Assets Limited Partnership (a wholly owned company of the Líl̓wat Nation) and Pemberton Benchlands Development Corp.. Skénkenam Development LP’s interest in the project is to provide a long term supply of housing options for the community, and economic development (e.g., employment, training) while recognizing and preserving the natural environment, recreational amenities, cultural and archaeological values and small town character.
In September 2021, the partnership finalized the purchase of 60 hectares. The current development application considers 31 hectares of the 60 hectare land holding. A condition of the sale of the lands is the remediation of two contaminated parcels. A third parcel cannot be considered for development until it is incorporated into the Village of Pemberton boundaries.
This website informs the community of the steps past, present and future of the Benchlands Nkwúkwma neighbourhood. Public participation is welcomed in the next phases of the planning process. Documentation of the process is also available.
Benchlands Nkwúkwma plans to bring approximately 450 residential units to the land above the Pemberton Valley and meet housing needs in the Pemberton community for the next 20 – 25 years.
In 2008, the Village of Pemberton adopted the Benchlands Neighbourhood Concept Plan (NCP) which provided a land use framework to accommodate future housing needs situated out of the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) and the floodplain.
The NCP provided a comprehensive review of the lands (e.g., topography, environment, servicing) while recognizing the needs and aspirations of the Pemberton community. The Benchlands NCP included a new neighbourhood developed in eight phases, primarily comprised of single family lots. In 2013, key policy directions of the NCP were adopted by council into Pemberton’s Official Community Plan (OCP).
Skénkenam refers to the river, also known as Pemberton Creek, that flows on the southside of the village and into One Mile Lake.
HOW TO PRONOUNCE SKÉNKENAM
Skénkenam Development Limited Partnership (Skénkenam Development LP) has made an application to develop Phases 3, 5 and 7 of the NCP. Skénkenam Development LP is a partnership between Líl̓wat Capital Assets Limited Partnership (a wholly owned company of the Líl̓wat Nation) and Pemberton Benchlands Development Corp.. Skénkenam Development LP’s interest in the project is to provide a long term supply of housing options for the community, and economic development (e.g., employment, training) while recognizing and preserving the natural environment, recreational amenities, cultural and archaeological values and small town character.
In September 2021, the partnership finalized the purchase of 60 hectares. The current development application considers 31 hectares of the 60 hectare land holding. A condition of the sale of the lands is the remediation of two contaminated parcels. A third parcel cannot be considered for development until it is incorporated into the Village of Pemberton boundaries.
This website informs the community of the steps past, present and future of the Benchlands Nkwúkwma neighbourhood. Public participation is welcomed in the next phases of the planning process. Documentation of the process is also available.
APPLICANT SKÉNKENAM DEVELOPMENTS
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
An equal partnership between Líl̓wat Capital Assets Limited Partnership and Pemberton Benchlands Development Corporation
Líl̓wat Capital Assets Limited Partnership is owned by the Líl̓wat Nation for the purposes of fulfilling the needs of their community by strengthening its economy and creating opportunities for investment. Líl̓wat Capital Assets LP and the shareholders of Pemberton Development Corporation have previously partnered on the Baxter Creek and Red Sky Developments in Whistler, BC.
NEXT PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITY
Skénkenam Development LP believes strongly in early and frequent consultation. Outreach to the Village of Pemberton, Líl̓wat7ul, Pemberton community members and stakeholder groups (e.g., Province of BC, PVTA, adjacent property owners) began in 2016 and continues today.
Thank You for Taking Part of our Virtual Open House
Our Open House was Presented December 8, 2021
Presentations included: Project Background, Land Purchase, Planning Process and Q&A. If you were unable to attend a recording of this presentation a zoom video recording is available on our Public Engagement Opportunities page.
THE PLANNING PROCESS
Public Open House #1 – Presentation of Land Use Analysis – Village of Pemberton
Submission of Development Application (OCP Amendment and Rezoning) – Village of Pemberton
Council Meeting- Application Referral to Internal and External Agencies for Comment Village of Pemberton
Public Open House – Cancelled – Development Plan, Economic Development & Community Comment – Líl̓wat Nation
Public Open House #2 – Development Proposal & Community Comments – Village of Pemberton
Committee of the Whole Staff Presentation of Development Plan to Council – Village of Pemberton
Public Open House and Information Meeting- Lil’wat Nation
Committee of the Whole Staff Presentation of Development Plan to Council – Village of Pemberton
Council Consideration of Initial Bylaw Amendment Readings – Village of Pemberton
Public Hearing – Village of Pemberton
Council Consideration of 3rd Reading of Bylaws – Village of Pemberton
Council Consideration of Bylaw Adoption – Village of Pemberton
CONTACT US
Reach out with your questions or comments
If you have further inquiries, please email us. Our office hours are limited, please expect a response within 3-5 business days.