The Upper Nicola Band near Merritt has halted construction on the nłqiłemix Quilchena Community Centre after finding human remains.
Details are not clear, but the band says it has reached out to the RCMP, which determined that the remains “are not recent.”
“Protocols to provide safety for the remains have been implemented, the Band said, in a statement. “Construction has been halted until further notice and security is on-site to protect the remains.”
“The Archaeologist on Record for the project is supporting the Upper Nicola Band which is working to put the appropriate protocols in place to care for the remains. These details will be made public once they have been confirmed.”
The Upper Nicola Band is also holding a meeting at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 9, to update community members and discuss next steps.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new $31-million Community Centre was held on Nicola Lake IR#1 last month, with work expected to take two years to complete.
At this time, it is not clear when construction will resume.