Fight over Marpole Midden heads to City Hall
Posted June 12, 2012 9:44 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Construction of a condo project on an ancient aboriginal burial ground in south Vancouver has been halted, but it seems the fight over the Marpole Midden isn’t over.
A battle is now brewing between the Mayor and the Non Partisan Association over the issue.
The NPA wants staff to look at the city’s legal position after Gregor Robertson threw his support behind the Musqueam, in their fight to block condos from the land. A motion going before council says Robertson should have consulted council first.
“I don’t think he should have waded into that issue in that way and so that’s part of the motion. The motion is also about reminding councillors and the Mayor the way to behave in these kind of complicated situations,” says motion author and NPA councillor George Affleck.
“I sympathize with the band, I sympathize with the owners of the property, and I don’t think the city should be taking sides,” he adds. “I think that’s a mistake. I think we should be looking at making sure that the right decision is made for all parties involved.”
The Mayor’s office declined our request for comment, but in a statement, it says he’s happy the province has ordered a halt to construction for the time being.
Mayor Gregor Robertson’s statement
“I’m very encouraged by the progress that’s been achieved in talks between the Musqueam First Nation and the Province, and Friday’s announcement by the province was a good step forward. I’m pleased to see the BC government taking steps under the Heritage Conservation Act to protect the Musqueam historic site.”
