'This means so much to our people,' said Esquimalt Chief Robert Thomas, 'to be able to share in the economic benefits of this land is going to be a beautiful thing for both nations.'
The chiefs of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations made official the purchase of 4.5 acres of their traditional lands in Rock Bay from B.C. Hydro on Tuesday, a land sale decades in the making.
“This means so much to our people — to be able to share in the economic benefits of this land is going to be a beautiful thing for both nations.” The site, bordered by Government and Pembroke streets and Rock Bay inlet, was at one point home to Victoria Gas and B.C. Electric — predecessors of B.C. Hydro. It’s been behind barriers for years as B.C. Hydro spent more than $128 million and 12 years to remediate what was one of the most contaminated sites in the country.
Sam, who sits on the board of Matulia Holdings, said they have hired an architect and will now begin an engagement process with the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations that could take up to two years. “It also allows us time to really work with the community and not be rushed into a decision,” he said.
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