Save Goldstream River

What is going on in Goldstream Provincial Park?

The Goldstream River (SELEKTEL) and its surrounding ecosystem in Goldstream Provincial Park are under threat from the planned expansion of the Malahat highway — a 162 million dollar expansion that won’t even add more lanes.

The Goldstream River runs through W̱SÁNEĆ territory,just 45 minutes from downtown Victoria, B.C. It’s a vital spawning ground forsalmon and home to eagles, salamanders, bears and countless other species. The expansion will remove over 700 trees from the river bank, trees that shade the river and keep it cool for the spawning salmon. Construction could increase erosion, sediment runoff and water temperatures — conditions that are deadly for spawning salmon. The W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples have a treaty right to hunt and fish here, and if the river cannot support salmon, then it’s a violation of their rights.

The environmental assessment for the project states, “residual impacts are expected to include permanent loss or alteration of aquatic salmonid and amphibian habitat”

Why is this happening?

The provincial government claims the highway expansion is needed to widen the existing two lanes to accommodate a concrete barrier instead of the traffic pylons currently in place. They argue this is needed for increased safety. However, other options, such as speed reductions or better-funded public transit, which would have the added benefit of reducing congestion, have not been explored.

What is the strategy?

For over two years, W̱SÁNEĆ Elder ZȺWIZUT Carl Olsen has been leading the movement, backed with community support and solidarity. Along with ensuring the facts get out to the media, he protests this expansion every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Goldstream, inviting everyone to join in to show their solidarity and respect. It’s important to amplify Elder Carl Olsen’s voice by applying pressure to the B.C. Minister of Transportation and Transit, Mike Farnworth. This shows the B.C. government decision makers our collective demands to halt this senseless and expensive highway expansion.

What can you do?

Show up! Every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Goldstream Day Use Parking Lot. Other opportunities outside of the Tuesday protests include rallies, art-making events, hikes and more. All happening to build pressure.

Share this publication with family and friends.

Target the B.C. government, Ministry of Transportation and Transit, to have our collective demands heard.

Find out more about Goldstream River at:WildernessCommittee.org/SaveGoldstream