Proponents of a mega-yacht marina for Victoria's harbour issued a statement today responding to a court action by local first nations against the project.

“We respect and value all aspects of the approval process set up by the Crown - including the requirement for consultation with local First Nations,” said a prepared statement from WAM Development Group's general manager, Lachlan MacLean.

“While the legal obligation to consult with First Nations rests with the Crown, since 2007, we have also been actively seeking participation and input from both the Esquimalt First Nation and Songhees First Nation. We are open to future discussions with both bands.”

The first nations filed an application in federal court last week seeking a judicial review of Transport Canada and Department of Fisheries and Oceans decisions that gave approvals to the marina without “proper consultation and accommodation.”

The application asks for the decisions to be set aside.

The Dogwood Initiative environmental group and paddler Tim Houlihan also filed a separate application for a judicial review of the federal decisions.

The British Columbia government is still considering whether to lease a 2.63-hectare publicly owned Crown water lot for the proposed 52 slip marina for vessels 20 metres to 41 metres long.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.