Construction has begun on two retail projects on Tsawwassen First Nation treaty lands in the Greater Vancouver area.

Ivanhoe Cambridge’s Tsawwassen Mills, and Property Development Group’s Tsawwassen Commons, are the first major developments on Tsawwassen lands. The projects will be located at Highway 17 and 52nd Street.

“We are delighted to partner with world-class developers to realize the commercial/retail element of our land use plan,” says Tsawwassen First Nations Chief Bryce Williams. “Combined with our complementary agricultural, residential, and industrial activities, this development is a significant move forward in creating a truly sustainable community for our Members.”

Tsawwassen Mills, which is expected to open in spring 2016, will have approximately 1.2 million square feet of enclosed retail. Bass Pro Shops will be one of 16 anchors at the shopping centre, which will be home to fashion brands, factory outlets, restaurants and a 1,100-seat food court. It is being modelled after CrossIron Mills and Vaughan Mills, located in the Greater Calgary and Greater Toronto areas respectively.

The Property Development Group project will have 550,000 square feet of outdoor retail space, including retailers Walmart and Rona.