VICTORIA The B.C. government has purchased a 3.4-hectare parcel of land to support its reconciliation efforts with the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations of Vancouver Island. The property, known as Thetis Cove, is adjacent to the Esquimalt Nation reserve and is located in the View Royal area. The undeveloped land was purchased from a private owner for approximately $13 million by the province in October. The B.C. government says the land can be used for housing, commercial developments or other economic opportunities. “The return of our land will be a significant step in reconciliation and provides an opportunity to work constructively with other levels of government to create a healthy and prosperous future for our community,” said Esquimalt Nation Chief Robert Thomas in a release Monday.
“The return of our land will be a significant step in reconciliation and provides an opportunity to work constructively with other levels of government to create a healthy and prosperous future for our community,” Esquimalt Nation Chief Robert Thomas said Monday.
Murray Rankin, B.C.’s minister of Indigenous relations and reconciliation, said the Thetis Cove property presented a unique opportunity for the province to advance reconciliation with the Esquimalt Nation and support treaty discussions with the Songhees Nation.
“While we are at the beginning of our discussions with Esquimalt Nation and the broader community about the land, we see its significant potential for supporting Esquimalt Nation to thrive and prosper, which benefits everyone who lives in the region,” Rankin said.