Wilderness Committee celebrates victory along with W̱SÁNEĆ leaders and SELE₭TEȽ Goldstream Protectors group

VICTORIA/UNCEDED lək̓ʷəŋən TERRITORIES — The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit announced today it’s not proceeding with plans to widen the highway through Goldstream Provincial Park at this time. The Ministry cited the need for additional analysis of the project’s environmental impacts and said funding will be reallocated to other priorities. 

“This is a win for the environment, the salmon and our future generations, and ensures they’re looked after.” - W̱SÁNEĆ Elder Carl Olsen

Wilderness Committee has campaigned against the proposed highway expansion since 2024 alongside W̱SÁNEĆ Elder Carl Olsen, who has led advocacy efforts against the project for the past three years, including weekly demonstrations at the park.

“W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples have cared for SELE₭TEȽ long before highways and provincial budgets. We’ll continue to do so,” said W̱SÁNEĆ Elder ZȺWIZUT Carl Olsen. “This is a win for the environment, the salmon and our future generations, and ensures they’re looked after.”

More than 700 trees and critical salmon habitat would have been impacted by the proposal to incorporate a median barrier and widen the shoulder of the highway, without adding more lanes.

“We’re overjoyed the province finally made the right decision here, and we congratulate and thank Elder Carl Olsen for his inspiring leadership and ceaseless commitment to protecting this special place,” said Wilderness Committee Forest Campaigner Tobyn Neame. “This victory demonstrates the power of public support for Indigenous rights and community activism. We also thank the thousands of people who have spoken up about this issue.”

The Wilderness Committee worked closely with the grassroots Goldstream Protectors group, a dedicated network of volunteers who’ve poured countless hours into advocating for Goldstream River and the park in support of Elder Carl Olsen. Thousands of members of the public have raised their voices in opposition to the highway project, through letters and phone calls to the ministry and the B.C. government, at hikes and other events at the park, and at a large rally last fall at the B.C. Legislature.

Elder Carl Olsen and other WSANEC leaders have highlighted the ecological and cultural importance of Goldstream River. They vow to continue to assert their right to steward this sensitive waterway, and protect its salmon run and other biodiversity.

“I have so many people to thank — the Wilderness Committee and the Goldstream Protectors for all their support, and everyone who has come out on Tuesdays rain or shine. They’re all a part of this decision and I thank them for being so patient with me,” Elder Olsen said.

“The WSANEC have looked after SELE₭TEȽ Goldstream since time immemorial. We support their right to always do so, and we’ll continue to do everything we can to help them protect this river and the surrounding environment,” said Neame. 

– 30 – 

Media contacts:

ZȺWIZUT Carl Olsen | W̱SÁNEĆ Elder and Land Defender
250-886-3018, carlolsen2@hotmail.com

Tobyn Neame | Forest Campaigner, Wilderness Committee
tobyn@wildernesscommittee.org