The Saanich Police Department has determined that human remains, which were found along Cordova Bay Rd., are ancestral and not of recent origin.
In a release issued on Tuesday, Saanich PD notes that officers have spent time in the 5100-block of Cordova Bay Rd. since Feb. 22, after receiving a report about the discovery of human remains under the boulevard next to the roadway.
Police outline that the area is currently the subject of a large development project. It is also noted by police that the area is known to be “active with First Nations remains” and representatives of the Tsawout and Songhees Nations have been present on the development site over the course of construction.
The remains, reported to police on Monday, are outside of the area where a Provincial Heritage Excavation permit exists in relation to the construction site.
After receiving the report, officers investigated the discovered remains and determined that the individual had likely died from something “other than natural causes.”
Police reached out to the University of Victoria, as well as representatives of a contracted archeological company, and have since been able to confirm that the remains are ancestral.
Saanich Police note that officers have left the scene and the continuation of the excavation will be conducted by the First Nations representatives on-site.
CHEK News
