Date: February 23, 2021
File: 21-4063
The Saanich Police have been in the 5100 block of Cordova Bay Rd since yesterday afternoon after receiving a report of human remains found under the boulevard next to the roadway.
Currently, this area is subject to a large development project, in an area known to be active with First Nations remains. As a result, representatives of the Tsawout and Songhees Nations are present on site as part of the construction process.
The remains reported to police are outside of the area where a Provincial Heritage Excavation permit exists in relation to the construction site. Police attended and determined the remains had likely died from something other than natural causes. With the assistance of the University of Victoria and representatives of the contracted archeological company, the Saanich Police can now confirm these are ancestral remains, and not of recent origin.
The continuation of the excavation will be conducted by the First Nations representatives on site, and Saanich Police have left the scene.”
Cst. Markus Anastasiades #256
Public Information and Communications Officer