A file photo of construction on the Victoria Street West improvements project. This does not indicate the exact location where ancestral remains were found on June 26, 2019. (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

HUMAN REMAINS DISCOVERED

Human remains discovered during West Victoria Street construction

Jun 27, 2019 | 11:03 AM

KAMLOOPS — Tk’emlups te Secwepemc and the City of Kamloops are working together after the discovery of human remains at the site of the Victoria Street West Improvements Project.

The city says in a news release that the discovery was made on Wednesday (June 26) by construction crews.

After making the discovery, the project team followed archaeological protocols. The RCMP, representatives from Tk’emlups te Secwepemc and Golder Associates were called in to control the site, and it was determined the remains are not recent.

“The City is committed to following the Heritage Conservation Act and, more importantly, working closely with TteS to protect cultural heritage. We’re guided by protocols on site and will continue to work with TteS as they determine next steps,” said Darren Crundwell, the City’s Capital Project Manager in a news release.

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The area has been cordoned off, and security has been put in place at the discovery site. Work is currently progressing on the Victoria Street West project, recognizing a 50-metre buffer zone around the find site.

“We are committed to dealing with these remains with the utmost respect and care, and also with a sense of urgency in accordance with our commitments to the TteS,” said Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian.

The City says construction will continue next week while respecting TteS ancestral remains policy and procedures.

“We appreciate the immediate actions taken by the project team and are fully aware of the steps that have been taken, which are in line with our policies,” said Chief Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir.