Metro Vancouver board opposes transfer of land from Pacific Spirit park

The Metro Vancouver Board has set the stage for a battle with the province over the transfer of land from Pacific Spirit Regional Park as part of a reconciliation agreement with the Musqueum Indian Band.

The board, formerly known as the Greater Vancouver Regional District, approved a unanimous motion on Friday, saying it does not support the appropriation of local government assets for the settlement of aboriginal claims.

But Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan, a board director, said he's not sure the province will hear the motion.

"Here we are mayors and councillors from municipalities around the Lower Mainland," he said during the board meeting. "When you said our word probably meant something all you heard was laughter around the table."

The B.C. government reached a controversial deal with the Musqueum Indian Band on Nov. 9 as part of negotiations to resolve three court cases.

The deal includes the 50-hectare University Golf Course, located on University of British Columbia endowment lands, and two parcels of land amounting to 22 hectares from Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Dave Forsythe, chair of the Pacific Spirit Park Society, is one of many people who is urging the board to do something to stop the province from handing over land of the park.

"Our only hope is that you will put some pressure on the provincial government. They'll certainly listen to your body than they will us," said Forsythe.