Proposed treaty with B.C. First Nation raises concern about access to tourist attraction

A proposed treaty with the Songhees Nation in British Columbia is sparking concerns over public access to Hatley Park, a significant tourist attraction near Victoria. The treaty, nearing completion, involves the transfer of federal Crown land that encompasses Royal Roads University and Hatley Castle, a site frequently used for filming.

Robert Janes, the Songhees Nation's lawyer, addressed the concerns, stating, "Certainly the long-term vision is not to close these lands off." However, he acknowledged that the treaty process aims to grant Nations control over their lands, which could lead to "some limits over time" on access, unlike the current guarantees for parklands.

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Certainly the long-term vision is not to close these lands off, but you know, part of what the treaty process is about is giving Nations the power to control their lands and in these lands, as opposed to the parklands, where there is a guarantee of ongoing public access, there could be some limits over time.

Critics, such as former BC Conservative leadership candidate Caroline Elliott, question the land transfer itself. "But the bigger question is, who should own these lands?" she asked. "Right now they’re owned by British Columbians and Canadians, and they’re being transferred over to the small government body representing about 600 people."

Regarding the university, Janes indicated that the plan is to allow Royal Roads University to purchase its land from the Songhees Nation at market value if it chooses to do so. Hatley Castle, a prominent feature of the park, has been a filming location for notable productions, including the X-Men and Deadpool movie franchises.

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But the bigger question is, who should own these lands? Right now they’re owned by British Columbians and Canadians, and they’re being transferred over to the small government body representing about 600 people.