March 28, 2024

Development delayed on part of Musqueam burial ground

The B.C. government has changed a permit that allowed development of the so-called Marpole Midden in Vancouver – a development hotly opposed by the Musqueam first nation.

Forests minister Steve Thomson says the change was made after ancient skeletons were found on the site earlier this year.

“The new information was the discovery of the intact remains, one in January, and that the additional intact remains that were found in April.” 

The change only applies to a small part of the property that will now be off limits to construction.

Thomson says it’s up to the developer and the City of Vancouver to decide how to proceed on the rest of the site.  

The change is being met with trepidation from Musqueam members.

Band councillor Wade Grant says construction has only been partially halted.

‘We need to have open and frank conversations amongst all parties and to talk about a resolution that allows the site to be protected as it should have been a number of years ago when it was dedicated a national historic site.”

Bob Ranford, who speaks for the developer, says work stopped completely in April, when the four-thousand year old burial ground was uncovered.

“I’m hoping that we can come to some resolution soon. Nothing’s changed. We’re in discussions to determine how we’re going to deal with planned development there and the governments have to make a choice.”

More than half of the 108 units at the Southwest Marine Drive complex have already been pre-sold.

CKNW Vancouver News

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