Post by alondra07 on Mar 24, 2018 11:59:08 GMT
A contentious building project on Grace Islet that caused outrage among Salt Spring Island residents has been stopped due to the province stepping in with a purchase plan.
The province is partnering with local First Nations and the Nature Conservancy of Canada on long-term conservation for Grace Islet, which is a privately-owned property and home to a First Nations burial ground “It can sometimes be challenging to balance the need to protect archaeological sites while respecting private property rights,” said Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.
Protests and ire arose in August 2014 when the owner of the islet, Edmonton businessman Barry Slawsky, made plans to build a luxury home over the First Nations burial ground.
Only a hectare in size, the Grace Islet is recognized as an ancient burial site under the Provincial Heritage Conservation Act. But due to the remains of the burial ground dating back to before 1846, it does not get the same protection as a cemetery.
The province is partnering with local First Nations and the Nature Conservancy of Canada on long-term conservation for Grace Islet, which is a privately-owned property and home to a First Nations burial ground “It can sometimes be challenging to balance the need to protect archaeological sites while respecting private property rights,” said Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.
Protests and ire arose in August 2014 when the owner of the islet, Edmonton businessman Barry Slawsky, made plans to build a luxury home over the First Nations burial ground.
Only a hectare in size, the Grace Islet is recognized as an ancient burial site under the Provincial Heritage Conservation Act. But due to the remains of the burial ground dating back to before 1846, it does not get the same protection as a cemetery.