The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is voicing its strong support of the Treaty and Constitution that were ratified by K’ómoks members on March 8, 2025. Provincial ratification is the next important step in the approval process, which pending federal government passage, will enable the implementation of the Treaty and result in greater certainty, economic opportunities and prosperity for the Nation and the Comox Valley as a whole.
The Vice-Chair of the CVRD and members of the board were in the BC Legislature to witness the tabling of the legislation that will enable provincial ratification of the historic agreement.
“The CVRD recognizes the profound significance of this historic achievement and the decades of dedication, negotiation, trust building and community engagement that it has taken to get here,” said Chair Will Cole-Hamilton. “As a local government we stand with K’ómoks as a partner and ally as we embark together with the Nation, as a community, down this exciting new path.”
“The Treaty will provide certainty over land ownership and title in the Comox Valley now and in the future, allowing our communities to move forward without the uncertainty that exists in many parts of British Columbia,” explained Cole-Hamilton. “This will allow us to live together with clarity and confidence, so that we can focus our efforts on the positive benefits for our entire community including job creation, investment, economic development, housing, tourism and new infrastructure.”
The treaty will provide the basis for a revitalized relationship between K’ómoks and all levels of government by fostering shared understanding about K’ómoks’ rights and delivering economic predictability in the region. CVRD Director Doug Hillian was invited to the Treaty table as an observer, representing local government and attending meetings throughout the many years of negotiations as a show of support and to witness the process.
“It has taken the dedication and leadership of the K’ómoks Treaty Team, K’ómoks Council, Hereditary Chiefs, Elders, past Chief Councillors, provincial and federal negotiators, and many others who have contributed to this enormous effort,” said Hillian. “I have been fortunate to witness this historic process as an invited guest at the Table, and I am grateful for the experience and learnings. I am very moved by what has been accomplished and encourage all Comox Valley residents to embrace the bright future of prosperity and possibility that this process will bring.”
For more information on the K’ómoks Treaty visit: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/engagement/komoks-treaty/
The Comox Valley Regional District is a partnership of three electoral areas and three municipalities operating on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on providing sustainable services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
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Media Contact:
Will Cole-Hamilton
CVRD Board Chair
T: 778-992-0102