Duncan Developer in Limbo

A TV News, December 9, 2009

DUNCAN - A land developer in Duncan is running out of options. After an ancient first nations burial site was discovered on property slated for a housing development, plans to build were put on hold. That was nearly two decades ago and in the years since, developer George Schmidt has been waiting for a resolution.

"We've tried to work with all of the government bodies, the municipality, the natives, and the federal and provincial governments, but we're not getting anywhere at all," Schmidt said.

The developer purchased about 100 acres near Somenos Creek and over the years has built roughly 300 homes on the land. The burial site was uncovered in the early 1990's on the final parcel slated for development. Carbon dating revealed some of the human remains and artifacts were up to 1500 years old.

Schmidt wants to sell the land so it can be preserved. He estimates it is worth between two and three million dollars. The file is now being reviewed by the federal government's Department of Indian Affairs.