It was a scary start to the shift for the workers on the Victoria Street West Improvements Project on Wednesday morning as human remains were discovered by the crews.
According to the City of Kamloops, upon making the discovery, the project team followed the archeological protocols that are required for this project. RCMP, representatives from the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc and Golder Associates were all called in to control the site and determine the origins of the "not modern" human remains.
“The City is committed to following the Heritage Conservation Act and, more importantly, working closely with TteS to protect cultural heritage. We’re guided by protocols on site and will continue to work with TteS as they determine next steps,” said Darren Crundwell, the City’s Capital Project Manager.
The area has been cordoned off and security has been put in place at the find site.
“We are committed to dealing with these remains with the utmost respect and care, and also with a sense of urgency in accordance with our commitments to the TteS,” said Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian.
Work is currently progressing on the Victoria Street West project, recognizing a 50-metre buffer zone around the find site. The City anticipates construction will continue as expected next week while respecting the TteS Ancestral Remains Policy and Procedures.
