One year after the Station House was moved, the District of Hope has undertaken an archaeological study at the new site.
In a 2-1 vote, council agreed to authorize $100,000 towards covering the cost of an archaeological assessment/study at the 919 Water Avenue — the new location of the Station House.
“We had a meeting with the Tashme Historical Society (THS),” said Mayor Victor Smith. “And they are continuing to work to get the Station House on the ground and shift gears moving forward to bring the historic project to life.”
The decision was made during the last council meeting (Feb. 10) with councillors Scott Medlock and Heather Stewin voting in favour of the assessment and funding. Coun. Pauline Newbigging voted against it, and Councillors Angela Skoglund and Dusty Smith were not in attendance.
In an email to the Hope Standard, John Fortoloczky, the chief administrative officer, said the district only became aware it would need to organize an archaeological assessment just before Christmas.
“It was our understanding that the Tashme Historical Society could undertake any and all permitting requirements for the site development. However, we were informed that the district would have to do this,” Fortoloczky said. “With the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), First Nations archaeological research has become an important part of the reconciliation and consultation processes. And since there are many identified and suspected sites of First Nations’ importance in B.C., these archaeological investigations and permits are now becoming the norm.”
The station house moved to its new location on Feb. 15, 2024. THS intends to re-purpose the building into a “vibrant heritage tourism and community hub,” one that will be shared with all of Hope’s communities.
In addition to the Station House agenda item, council was shown presentations from the Hope RCMP, Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society, and Bridal Veil Mountain Resort project. Council also appointed Brandon Morgan as the Chief Election Officer, and Donna Bellingham as the Deputy Chief Election Officer, for the 2025 byelection. The draft for the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP) was also accepted/approved by council.
To watch the meeting, readers can visit the District of Hope Ratepayers Association Facebook page.
The next council meeting will be on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.
