Re: “Bands to reap millions for backing CRD sewage plan,” March 21.
I’m sure some taxpayers will be vexed about the amount of money that is going to First Nations in exchange for a letter of support for the sewage-treatment plant.
But here’s another perspective: We have paid millions and millions of dollars to the Township of Esquimalt as a reward for its bad behaviour by way of an excessive amenity package, two years of unnecessary delay and now a potential seat for Mayor Barb Desjardins at the legislature.
That’s what taxpayers should be vexed about. Not the fraction of the cost that has gone to Esquimalt and Songhees nations in acknowledgment of their unwavering support and their exemplary behaviour since the Seaterra project first went off the rails.
We should recall that the Esquimalt Nation was the first community to offer its lands to host the plant that no one wanted. And both nations put their jointly held downtown commercial lands forward for consideration.
Without First Nations participation, the Capital Regional District board would have had no other options to explore during its ill-advised sewage-treatment review process; no doubt the region would still be mired in conflict. Rewarding the nations for their leadership, co-operation and collaboration is the right thing to do.
After decimating their lands and poisoning their fishing grounds, it’s a small price to pay compared to the huge price the First Peoples have paid. Now let’s get on with cleaning up this beautiful land we have soiled.
Ira Tait
Victoria
