Keith with his grandmother Esther Harry

Esther Harry and her grandson Keith saw details for an industrial project planned on their doorstep when they went to the Kwunew-Kwasun cultural centre on Sept. 16.

They were among many Malahat First Nation members who turned out – along with people from neighbouring communities, politicians and even a few protesters – for an information evening about the nation’s proposed liquefied natural gas plant in Saanich Inlet.

“I really don’t care for what’s going on,” Esther said of the announcement in August of plans for the floating LNG facility at the nation’s recently purchased 535-hectare Bamberton property. “I never knew what was going on until we saw it in the papers.” Keith was also surprised by the project plans and said: “We need more information. They should explain it a lot more.”

But senior staff from Malahat, along with partners Steelhead LNG and Williams Northwest Pipeline, said the open house was just the first of many opportunities to learn details about the project through the initial phases over the next few years.

Also on hand were leaders from neighbouring nations, including Tsartlip from just across the inlet, as well as about a dozen antifracking protesters wearing Anonymous masks. Looming over the LNG project is the Nov. 2 special election for a new chief and council. Days after the Bamberton purchase was announced in early August came the sudden resignation of Chief Michael Harry. He stepped down over alleged financial improprieties involving a contaminated soil treatment facility in nearby Shawnigan Lake.

Councillor Tommy Harry was named interim chief and his first big announcement was that Michael Harry and two other councillors had resigned. The November date is two months before the previously scheduled vote. It will be the first under the new Malahat custom election code.