Hatley Castle transfer proposed under B.C. treaty

The British Columbia government is approaching the final stages of a modern treaty process involving the Te’mexw Treaty Association, which represents five First Nations on Vancouver Island. Under the proposed agreement for the Songhees Nation, several properties would be transferred, including Hatley Park, which contains Royal Roads University and the iconic Hatley Castle.

Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Minister Spencer Chandra Herbert stated that while the transfer involves the federal government, both the Songhees Nation and Royal Roads University intend to maintain the use of Hatley Park as a post-secondary campus. He noted that public access could be managed through temporary closures similar to current BC Parks practices, though some lands may see limited or no public access once they become treaty lands.

Other proposed transfers include two downtown Victoria parking lots and Discovery Island Marine Provincial Park. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay has criticized the negotiations, calling the land transfers “secret deals” and a “betrayal of our democracy,” urging the provincial government to halt the process.