On June 5th, members of Colwood Council and staff had the distinct honour of participating in a land blessing ceremony at 342 Wale Road with Esquimalt Nation Elder Mary Ann Thomas, Songhees Elder Elmer George and Esquimalt Nation hereditary Chief Edward Thomas.

The blessing ceremony is a way to acknowledge past activity on the land, express gratitude for present opportunities to work together on projects that improve people's quality of life, and welcome the future in a peaceful and positive way. 

The blessing was perfectly timed, considering a development permit has been issued to the Aboriginal Land Trust for 124 units of affordable housing at the site that has been idle for a number of years.

Yellowridge Construction is expected to begin site preparation work this week. The pond that has formed on the property will be drained in preparation for fill material to be brought in.

The Aboriginal Land Trust, in partnership with Lu'ma Native Housing and Yellow Sheet Construction, is currently working with the City to obtain a building permit, and construction is expected to progress quickly over the next 18 months.

This project received a $24 million grant from the Province through the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund to provide more affordable housing for those in need.

These new homes will increase the diversity of housing offered in Colwood's town centre which is undergoing significant revitalization as construction progresses at the Colwood Corners development.  

Tenants of the new development will benefit from its proximity to transit links, the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, the Juan de Fuca Library, West Shore Parks and Recreation facilities, access to the ocean and beach at the Colwood Waterfront and a growing number of nearby amenities.

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Media Contact

Sandra Russell
Communications Manager, City of Colwood
250-478-5999

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