Membertou First Nation and Canada Announce Major Land Additions to Double Reserve Base
On March 4, 2026, Membertou First Nation and the Government of Canada announced four additions to reserve totalling 409.37 acres in Nova Scotia. The expansion will double the community's land base, supporting housing, commercial development, and cultural purposes.
On March 4, 2026, Membertou First Nation and the Government of Canada announced four additions to reserve totalling 409.37 acres of land in Nova Scotia. This significant expansion is set to double the existing land base of the Mi’kmaw community, which has 1,695 members and is located three kilometres from downtown Sydney on Unama’ki (Cape Breton).
The announcement was made by Chief Terrance Paul of Membertou First Nation and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty at the Membertou Trade Centre. Key figures including Ministers Mandy Gull-Masty and Parliamentary Secretaries Jaime Battiste and Mike Kelloway supported the initiative as a step toward reconciliation and economic growth.
The specific additions include Heritage Park (7.32 acres), Lingan (12.94 acres), Stan’s Paving (20.61 acres), and Mullins (368.5 acres). Each parcel has been designated for distinct purposes: Heritage Park is reserved for cultural and ceremonial activities, while the Lingan addition aims to improve access to the Sydney Indian reserve. Stan’s Paving is allocated for commercial development, and the largest portion, Mullins, is designated for residential purposes.
These land additions are expected to facilitate modern housing for the growing community, create space for increased commercial and economic opportunities, and advance reconciliation efforts. The move also provides essential land for cultural preservation through the Heritage Park designation.
