On Wednesday evening December 7th Vice President Liz Bicknell and I attended a rezoning meeting in the Municipality of North Saanich.  The sale of the Dunsmuir property by the University of Victoria to the Pauqauchin First Nations required rezoning. The property is to be used by Homewood as an addiction treatment centre and for the spiritual needs of the Pauqauchin. This is a part of their traditional lands.

The university had allowed the public to use the trails.  This is private property and the new owners have the right to limit access. The Pauquauchin have provided two trails through their property and signed a covenant limiting development.

The meeting lasted for more than three and a half hours. Members of several First Nations spoke with passion about the importance of this land.

This decision will not have any effect on access to John Dean Park.

Robin Dunbar, President

December, 2016

Dunsmuir property sale will benefit Capital Region – Times Colonist, October 19, 2016

More discussion needed on future of Dunsmuir trails – Times Colonist, November 25, 2016