Skip to content

New Tsawout Chief mum on development

Discussions with Ministry of Transportation, Central Saanich are ongoing

Harvey Underwood said he is “grabbing the bull by two horns” as new Tsawout Chief.

With two former 20-year chiefs, Allan and Lou Claxton on the new council, and 14 years of his own experience on council, he said he feels well supported as chief.

“It’s a big learning curve,” said Underwood of his new position. “Sitting as a council member observing the chief and what he does, then sitting in the position yourself, it’s a real eye opener.”

Underwood said he and his council are hard at work negotiating safe access to and exit from the Tsawout First Nation, which sits near the intersection of Mount Newton X Road and Highway 17, with the Ministry of Transportation and Highways.

“We’re looking for the best solution,” he said.

The Tsawout village encompasses approximately 241 hectares (595 acres). The community includes single family residential and leased modular homes and commercial developments. The commercial developments include motels, restaurants, offices and gas stations. Its water is supplied by the Peninsula Water Commission, however Tsawout has its own sewage treatment facility and controls its own taxation.

Addressing rumours in the community of a large development, including Costco, Canadian Tire or Walmart, proposed on Tsawout property, Underwood would only say that he hopes to comment in about four months time.

“(I’ll say) nothing at the moment. In four months, we’ll see where we’re at,” he said.

“We’re working closely with the municipality of Central Saanich too. We hope to accomplish something that will complement each other. What’s best for both of us,” Underwood said.

“Right now, it’s safe in and safe out, access off the highway. There’s always the potential (of development) once we have a safe way in and out.”