The Sechelt Indian Band announced the construction of a Toronto Dominion Bank branch this week.
The bank, expected to open in late October, will be across from the Extra Foods gas station in Sechelt. The building will mark the beginning of phase two of development of a future mall.
"I'm grateful this is going to be happening," said chief Stan Dixon at a groundbreaking ceremony May 31.
The crowd included representatives from the band, TD Bank, local governments and the construction company.
Dixon thanked staff, former chief Garry Feschuk and the band's project manager Bob Mason for pulling the plan together to make it a reality.
He hopes this will be the start of other entrepreneurs coming to the property.
"It's just a happy day," said Dixon after the ceremony.
Plans for the TD Bank began with the previous council and have been in the works for years.
"This has been a long, drawn-out process," Feschuk told the crowd. "It took a lot of negotiations to get where we are today."
The band awarded the construction contract to Norson Construction Ltd. of North Vancouver.
Norson project manager Brian Lee said his company has been trying to hire as many workers and subcontractors as possible from the Coast. Construction should be underway this week.
TD Bank managers received a warm welcome to the new branch site. TD was chosen because of its interest in opening on the Coast.
"We really wanted to be here," said Walter Schultz, TD commercial banking manager of business development.
The bank staff and managers will be hired locally, he said. Many of TD's current employees in Vancouver commute from the Coast and have shown an interest in working at the branch, he added.
"This is a great opportunity for us," said Alan Holton, TD commercial banking manager. "The Sechelt Band has been phenomenal working with us."
Other stores potentially going into phase two of the development include a Starbucks, a dollar store, an insurance office and a liquor store. Feschuk said in his speech the band is selectively choosing the businesses going onto the property.
"We want to see this land developed," said Councillor Marita Paul-Franke in her speech.
Gibsons Mayor Barry Janyk, Sechelt Mayor Cam Reid and Sunshine Coast Regional District director John Rees attended the ceremony to congratulate the band.
