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Province, Snuneymuxw purchase former Howard Johnson site to ‘breathe new life’ into Nanaimo property
NANAIMO — A significant piece of land in the city’s downtown is being returned to its original owners.
Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Michael Wyse announced on Monday, July 15 the return of 6.6 acres (2.67 hectares), the site of the former Howard Johnson Hotel, through a joint purchase by the province and the First Nation.
Total cost of the purchase is $28.5 million, of which the province is covering nearly $26 million.
“The rightful return of this land will positively impact our Snuneymuxw citizens, residents of Nanaimo, this region as a whole and all who visit the downtown area,” Wyse said at a news conference at Maffeo Sutton Park. “By returning this land to Snuneymuxw, we are not only honouring treaty commitments but also supporting the shared economic goals and aspirations that our Nation has with your government.”