Case Study: Squamish Nation

In 2008, the Squamish Nation – a large and influential First Nations community – decided to redevelop one mile of waterfront near Vancouver. More than 100 old, dilapidated homes sat on land leased from the Nation creating serious health and safety issues in the area. Peak worked with the Nation to develop a strategic communications plan focused on engaging the community and making them feel included in the redevelopment.

Peak organized a town hall meeting and encouraged the Nation to be open about the health and safety issues and the redevelopment. The community consultation meeting was so successful that tenants gave the Squamish Nation a standing ovation at its close. Today, all former tenants have successfully relocated and the property is in the redevelopment stage.