[1/21/2026] – Indigenous Services Canada intends to make a determination regarding whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. To help inform this determination, Indigenous Services Canada is inviting public comments until February 21, 2026.

 All comments received will be considered public.

The Proposed Project

The purpose of the Quw'utsun Smun'een Elementary School Expansion Project is to construct major additions to the existing school facilities to accommodate growing enrolment and support expanded cultural and academic programming for Cowichan Tribes. The project is located at 3121 Glenora Road on a previously developed site that includes school buildings, paved access, open play fields to the north and west, and a storm detention pond and second‑growth forest to the east. Planned works include expanding the school building footprint to the north and east, developing eight new classrooms, an enlarged gymnasium, a full‑size kitchen, a teaching workshop space, a Hul'q'umi'num' language classroom, and essential storage and support areas. The project also includes improvements to outdoor spaces such as pathways, a small play area, and remediated greenspace.