Proposed treaty could see Royal Roads grounds transferred to First Nations

A proposed treaty among the Government of British Columbia and five First Nations could see parcels of Crown land—including Hatley Park, which hosts Royal Roads University and Hatley Castle—transferred from the Government of Canada to five First Nations on the island. The agreement has been in negotiation for 30 years, according to CBC. If the land is transferred to Songhees Nation, lawyer Robert Janes explained that the university would be able to purchase the land from the nation. CBC reports that the discussions have generated concerns about the future of the castle and access to the property among some members of the public.