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As architects, engineers, and construction professionals, we understand that a building is more than just walls and a roof; it's a catalyst for change, a reflection of culture, and an investment in community. We're diving into a project in Williams Lake, British Columbia, that embodies these principles: The Osprey Nest. This wasn't just another construction project; it's a bold move by the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) to reclaim their connection to the shoreline and create a vibrant hub for their community and visitors alike.
Nestled on San Jose Indian Reserve #6, near the intersection of South MacKenzie Avenue and Borland Street, and, right by Scout Island on the waterfront of Williams Lake, The Osprey Nest is a mixed-use development poised to become a regional game-changer. It’s envisioned as a gathering space, housing both a full-service restaurant and luxury lofts. But what makes this project particularly compelling from an industry perspective? Its commitment to mass timber construction and its grounding in the WLFN's strategic economic and cultural vision.
The Williams Lake First Nation isn't new to ambitious projects. As Chief Willie Sellars explained, their economic growth strategy has involved leveraging their Indian Reserve Lands. The land where The Osprey Nest sits, IR#6, is also home to successful ventures like the Unity Cannabis retail store and the Sugar Cane Cannabis cultivation facility. The 7,000 square foot Sugar Cane Cannabis building is even British Columbia’s first seed-to-sale cannabis facility.
Chief Sellars, elected in 2018, has focused on promoting resource-based projects, recognizing their potential to finance community-serving builds like The Osprey Nest. They have a track record of success and strategic investment provided the financial bedrock and confidence needed to embark on The Osprey Nest.
The support for the project was evident early on. As Chief Sellars put it, "We decided we wanted to get into retail with the vision of cultivation, so the first two builds (in the area) are a Unity retail store and the Sugar Cane Cannabis cultivation facility". Once those were operational, The Osprey Nest was the logical next step in development. This project aligns squarely with WLFN's vision of being “Culturally Centred & Future Focused”. “We conducted a membership engagement session… in February 2022. The feedback was extremely positive. We’re excited to now be able to provide some information to the general public about our plans. This building will truly be a game-changer for our region. We've proven that WLFN projects are top-notch and cutting edge," states Chief Sellars. - Williams Lake First Nation
The design of The Osprey Nest, helmed by architect Michael McNaught of m2 Architecture, is intentionally focused on its unique location. With 7,000 square feet total over three floors, the building needed to maximize its relationship with the waterfront. One of the founding principles of its design was to make it as open to lake vistas as possible.
“Imagine the impact of connecting a city back to its shoreline, a key objective highlighted in discussions about the project. The main floor is designed as a gathering place, providing a much-needed spot "next to Scout Island there was no place to eat, sit or look at the lake. The design offers a better way to offer to change the stay in Williams Lake,” Michael McNaught of m2 Architecture noted.
The building boasts impressive features designed for both public enjoyment and private comfort. The main floor restaurant area spans a stunning 2000 square feet. But the real draw? Nearly a thousand square feet of outdoor patio space directly overlooking the lake and Scout Island. How incredible is that – a place to simply sit, relax, and take in the scenery? There’s also an indoor mezzanine providing an intimate area for private meetings, and an outdoor rooftop patio, offering even more unique perspectives. The entire building is also designed to be accessible to those who are mobility challenged.
Above the public space are the four separate open concept lofts. These aren't your standard apartments. They are high-end spaces, 2 stories, and 900-square-foot lofts with a total of eighteen feet of height.
From a construction standpoint, one of the most exciting aspects of The Osprey Nest is its structure: it's a mass timber build. Why mass timber? The choice reflects a strategic alignment with local resources and construction efficiency. Michael McNaught noted that the project is a design-build, and once the simple rectangular plan was set, the contractors got to work preparing the site.
The main floor restaurant at The Osprey Nest is designed to be a welcoming space for everyone. Its menu offers a blend of "timeless brunch favorites, hearty burgers, vibrant bowls, and flavorful entrées". What sets it apart is the inspiration drawn from Indigenous culinary traditions. Each dish is crafted in-house using local and seasonal ingredients. This commitment to local sourcing opens up exciting possibilities for a farm-to-table at the restaurant, a vision the developers hope to showcase, highlighting what the Cariboo has to offer.
Beyond dining, the space is designed for versatility. Whether you're grabbing a quick morning coffee or planning a large event, Osprey Nest aims to accommodate. It offers cozy corners for intimate moments and spacious areas for grand celebrations, truly making it a space for you to gather at. The potential for catering services is also part of the plan.
The four luxury lofts on the second floor serve a distinct but equally important purpose. They are specifically intended to provide high-quality temporary accommodation. The target audience? Professionals working on major projects in and around Williams Lake, teachers, and others the WLFN is actively trying to attract to the area.
These 2 story, 900-square-foot spaces with generous eighteen-foot heights and amazing views are designed to be a significant draw. These lofts are more than just temporary housing; they're part of a broader strategy for regional growth and development.
The project's significance has been recognized beyond the local region, highlighted recently during the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s conference in Vancouver and featured as a webinar topic discussing its cultural meaning, economic strategy, and expedited design-build process.
The Osprey Nest is set to have a multi-faceted impact on Williams Lake and the surrounding region. Beyond providing unique amenities like the waterfront patios, which offer "something you can’t find anywhere else in the city", it generates numerous jobs both during and after construction and creates opportunities for capacity development within the community.
More profoundly, the project serves as a powerful symbol. It represents a return for the WLFN to the shoreline of William’s Lake, creating the first public gathering place there. It speaks to the nation's commitment to "reconcile and foster alliances", ensuring the building's "quality and character... reflect its indigenous ownership". It's a place for the community to gather in proximity to the lake and a beacon for attracting new talent and investment. The Osprey Nest is indeed poised to be a catalyst, strengthening the connection between the city and its natural environment while fostering economic growth and cultural visibility.
In summary, The Osprey Nest project stands out not just for its striking mass timber architecture or its prime waterfront location, but for its profound connection to the Williams Lake First Nation's vision. Combining a public gathering space and restaurant with high-end recruitment lofts, this mixed-use development leverages regional materials like mass timber to create a visually appealing, efficient, and culturally significant structure. It's an economic engine, a job creator, and a catalyst for attracting professionals, all while serving as a vital community hub and marking a significant return to the shoreline for the WLFN. Projects like The Osprey Nest remind us that architecture, when guided by clear vision and cultural purpose, can truly transform communities and build bridges – both literal and metaphorical – to a brighter future.
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