On October 1st, 2025, SC’IȺNEW̱ Nation hosted a three-hour community meeting to provide updates on two key capital projects: the Water Distribution and Storage Improvements Project and the 18 Lot Member Subdivision Project.

The meeting began with a light dinner, snacks, and other refreshments before launching into a presentation by Brian Chatwin and Jeff Wright of Chatwin Engineering. To ensure accessibility for as many community members as possible, Remarkable Communications livestreamed the presentation and facilitated participation via Zoom.

First, Wright discussed the Water Distribution and Storage Improvements Project.

The objective of this project is to establish a reliable water system for SC’IȺNEW̱. This project is funded by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and is supported by a team of nine consultants.

Currently, SC’IȺNEW̱’s water supply comes from the Capital Regional District (CRD), is gathered in a small reservoir, and then travels to various distribution points throughout the reserve. While this system worked adequately in the past, it is now outdated, lacks sufficient capacity to support growth, fails to deliver consistent water pressure, and provides inadequate fire protection.

Shown Above: Existing water system overview

The Water Distribution and Storage Improvements Project, Wright shared, will improve this system to make it reliable, modern, and capable of supporting community growth and development. Wright explained the project will support this goal by:

  1.     extending the main water line to the western extent of the reserve by building a line on the north side of East Sooke Road;
  2.     building several loops to expand access and fire protection, including a loop that connects the water line to the leased lands where the Band’s new Community Building is situated;
  3.     increasing the reservoir capacity from 218,000 liters to 1,500,000 liters by building two new above-ground reservoir tanks, thereby improving fire safety and making it possible to serve at least 450 people on reserve;
  4.     implementing a booster pump station; and
  5.     adding 18 new fire hydrants on reserve.

Shown Above: Proposed water system overview

Next, Wright provided updates on the 18 Lot Member Subdivision Project.

This ISC-funded project aims to address the current housing shortage by creating more developable land in the Whale View Crescent area – a location selected as the optimal site for residential construction after years of exploration – and extending essential services to that land.

Specifically, Wright explained, the team working on this project plans to:

  1.     create 18 single-family residential lots in the Whale View Crescent area, including one lot designated as green space, and an opportunity for the development of up to 50 additional homes in a future phase;
  2.     level out the land in the Whale View Crescent area to create more developable land;
  3.     ensure all lots are serviced with water, wastewater, power, and underground communication;
  4.     create a pump station, extend the sanitary force main, and improve the wastewater treatment plant to accommodate the 18 proposed lots and potential future development; and
  5.     widen the road in two places to create a safe, well-lit walking and cycling path.

Shown Above: 18 Lot Residential Subdivision Project

Once the presentation concluded, Wright invited community members to ask questions, sparking valuable feedback from those in attendance. During this process, Wright shared important details about the construction process.

To ensure the construction process benefits the community, for example, Wright shared that the project team plans to include a set amount of money in the proposal that must be spent on labor, equipment, or materials from SC’IȺNEW̱ community members. Additionally, to reduce disturbance of archaeologically or culturally significant areas, cultural monitors from SC’IȺNEW̱ will be present to monitor all digging once construction begins.

Attendees also asked who would live in the new homes. While decisions regarding who will live in the homes have not yet been made, they will be made through a community driven process at a later date. Those interested in living in one of the new homes are encouraged to submit a formal housing application as soon as possible to ensure SC’IȺNEW̱ staff are aware of the needs in the community.

With the community’s input in hand, the Capital Projects Department is finalizing the Design Phase and will soon submit the projects to ISC for Constructional Approval. Once funding is received, construction is expected to begin within 18 months.

SC’IȺNEW̱ looks forward to the ways these projects will help alleviate the longstanding housing shortage, create opportunities for growth and development, and uplift the entire community.

We’re excited to share that a Community Member webpage will soon be available on the SC’IȺNEW̱ website, allowing our members to watch future meetings virtually! Be sure to sign up for the SC’IȺNEW̱ newsletter to stay up to date on this project, opportunities to participate in future community meetings, and other SC’IȺNEW̱ news.