British Columbia will buy Grace Islet, the site of at least 16 First Nations burial cairns

British Columbia will buy Grace Islet, the site of at least 16 First Nations burial cairns, from the private owner at a cost of $5.45 million. Barry Slawsky, who started to build a retirement home on the property, will receive $850,000 for the land and the rest for costs incurred over two decades by the landowner “and his lost opportunity for future enjoyment of the property,” a government statement reads. Construction on top of the burial cairns caused controversy when it began last year. “Incurred costs include items such as utility installation and archaeological, architectural and professional fees; as well as building contract and material costs for construction of a high-end house.” The islet is located off Saltspring Island.