Saanich will rename Mt. Douglas Park with historic First Nation name
The District of Saanich is changing the name of Mount Douglas Park to its historic First Nation name of PKOLS (pronounced p'kawls).
Local Indigenous communities and the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (WLC) have long been calling for the name to be restored, and Saanich council agreed to the name restoration at a meeting Monday.
"PKOLS is an extremely important location in the history of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation," said Eric Pelkey, Tsawout First Nation Elder and community engagement coordinator for the WLC, in a statement Tuesday.
"It was created by XÁLS [the 'creator'] as the border between us and the Lekwungen people, and it was where we met with James Douglas in 1852 to discuss what became known as the Douglas Treaty," he said.
"For these reasons, we, as W̱SÁNEĆ people, have a special relationship with PKOLS."
A PKOLS sign is pictured at Mt. Douglas Park in Saanich, B.C. (CTV News)
Saanich had previously identified the name change as an action it wanted to take when it launched its 2019-2023 strategic plan.
Now the municipality says it will work with the WLC on an "appropriate protocol" to mark the name change, which is scheduled to take place next year.
"This is another step forward in our journey toward reconciliation," said Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes in a release Tuesday.
"As we work to build and strengthen relationships with our neighbouring First Nations, I’m pleased to address this significant action from our Strategic Plan," he said.
Mount Douglas Park was renamed PKOLS in 2022. (District of Saanich)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.