CIBC donates Trent Butt property to Carbonear, gives $5K to women's shelter

The bank that lent accused murderer Trent Butt the money to build his Carbonear home is turning the land over to the town council, and donating thousands to a women's shelter in the Conception Bay North community.

CIBC issued a statement to CBC News Monday, saying ownership of 12 Hayden Heights is being transferred to the Town of Carbonear.

The bank is also donating $5,000 to O'Shaughnessy House, a shelter for women and children trying to escape domestic violence.

• It took 10 months, but painful symbol of Quinn Butt tragedy finally removed
• Trent Butt to stand trial on murder, arson charges, preliminary inquiry rules

"CIBC acquired the property in order to create an opportunity for the town to work with community leaders to repurpose the land in the best interests of the community," CIBC vice-president for Newfoundland and Labrador Mark McGuire said in the statement.

"CIBC hopes that, with ownership of the land, the Carbonear community can now move forward and heal."

The move is being welcomed by Carbonear Mayor George Butt, who described CIBC's gesture as very community-minded.

"I think it's great. It will be in council's control and we can decide what goes there, if anything," the mayor said.

"You could leave it vacant. Or you could sell it as a building lot. I'd leave it vacant for now. That will be a council decision now in a month or so."

Trent Butt is facing a first-degree murder charge for the death of his five-year-old daughter, Quinn.

It's alleged he killed his daughter and then set fire to his home during the early hours of April 24, 2016.

The tragedy made national headlines, and has heightened debate about the issue of domestic violence.

There's also been an outpouring of support for Quinn's mother and her family.