About Quinsam Crossing
General Info
The We Wai Kai Nation has an exciting development strategy for its 60-acre Quinsam Crossing commercial site on Willis Road, Campbell River. Quinsam Crossing, a traditional crossroads for travelers on the North Island for several centuries, will be developed as a destination retail and recreation gateway to Campbell River for the North Island. The first business planned for these lands, is a band-owned auto service centre which will include a convenience store and propane filling centre. Future development plans include a broad mix of retail, commercial and recreational uses.
The Quinsam lands are southwest of downtown Campbell River and are well placed to receive the heavy flow of tourist traffic along the Inland Island Highway. Once built, this service centre will be the nearest to the Campbell River and District Regional Airport.
Initial studies suggest that Quinsam Crossing could generate full and part-time employment for 580 people during construction and 650 to 800 operational jobs once it is up and running. In addition, up to 1,500 indirect jobs could be created from this development.
The We Wai Kai Nation Team
In order to develop a strategy for Quinsam Crossing that delivers the greatest return for band members, Campbell River residents and the entire North Island, the We Wai Kai Nation has assembled a team of experienced professionals to help turn the dream of Quinsam Crossing as retail, sports and recreation gateway for Campbell River into reality. The team consists of:
- Chief Ralph Dick - Chief Dick's vision for this property has been clear, consistent and tireless. He has worked for many years to articulate and carry out the strategy developed throughout the decades by elders of the We Wai Kai Nation to bring greater equality, prosperity and employment to its people. He has long been an active member of the Assembly of First Nations and the Hamatla Treaty Society. Chief Dick has also sought to help the Cape Mudge community traverse the changing economic environment of the region through innovative development - and he has worked to make younger members of the band a greater part of the consultation process (through initiatives such as the Youth Committee of the Hamatla Treaty Society).
- Maurice Magowan, C.A. - Mr. Magowan is Director of Finance and Corporate Development for the We Wai Kai Nation and has been a practicing Chartered Accountant for more 35 years. He is a long-time resident of Campbell River, Past President of the Campbell River and District Chamber of Commerce and a former Alderman. His rich history and experience in the region plays an invaluable role in the planning of economic and corporate development initiatives such as Quinsam Crossing.
- Jack Anderson, B.E.S. - Jack Anderson is President of Anderson Greenplan Limited and holds a Bachelors degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Architecture. He has extensive experience on development and planning issues for Vancouver Island - having served as a member of the first Planning Department for the City of Nanaimo at the time of the development of the first OCP for the City and later becoming the first Park Planner for the City of Nanaimo prior to proceeding on to provincial planning work with the Ministry of Lands, Parks and Housing. Sustainable planning practices and green building principles are central to the philosophy of his company.