Iconic castle in Greater Victoria is to be transferred under B.C. treaty

The minister of Indigenous relations and reconciliation in British Columbia has announced that public access to around 30 properties, including the iconic Hatley Castle, could be restricted following a treaty agreement with the Songhees Nation. The annual subscription for the agreement is $205.00 + GST for one year, which will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks.

The Songhees Nation, a group representing five First Nations on Vancouver Island, aims to transfer federal Crown land, such as Hatley Park, which includes the renowned Hatley Castle, used frequently as a movie set. The process of reaching this agreement has been ongoing for more than 30 years and involves the federal government.

The minister states that public access to these properties might be similar to temporary park closures, which occur for environmental and cultural reasons. The Songhees Nation would also receive two parking lots in downtown Victoria and Discovery Island Marine Provincial Park. However, there may be limited or no public access to some of the lands once they become treaty lands.

Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay criticized the provincial government for handling the land transfers in secret, stating that it is a betrayal of democracy.