W̱SÁNEĆ Engagement Forum
Proposed Barrier and Road Widening Project at Goldstream River
When: Wednesday, October 18
Where: Saanich Fairgrounds – Main Hall
Time: 5:00-8:30 p.m.
The Forum will start with a meal and include the following Presentations:
- Project Proposal – Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI)
- Technical – WLC Referrals, Lorax Environmental Services, Goldstream Hatchery
- Historic Use Presentation – Trailmark and UBC
- W̱SÁNEĆ Laws – YELḰATŦE (Robert Clifford), J,SINTEN (John Elliott), W̱IĆKINEM (Eric Pelkey)
- Open Floor – Participant Questions to Presenters
Trans-Canada Highway 1 – Goldstream Median Barrier and Widening Project Location
The province have proposed to do road work where the Trans-Canada Highway passes through Goldstream Provincial Park. MOTI have been engaging W̱SÁNEĆ member First Nations about a proposal to widen the highway, install a median barrier, improve access to Finlayson arm, work on trails next to the river, connect Goldstream trails to other trails, and install a pedestrian crossing over the highway and river and an additional crossing under the highway. Part of the highway project plan is to blast rock, install retaining wall structures, a cantilever structure, and an enclosed drainage system with oil/water spill collection and separation devices near the Finlayson Arm Road intersection.
The project may increase road safety and public access, and the ability to recover pollutants in the event of another spill, but it may also have impacts on the Goldstream River which supports chum, coho and chinook salmon fisheries. Because the project may affect the ongoing practice of W̱SÁNEĆ rights including fishing, food gathering, holding ceremonial gatherings, and exercising stewardship responsibilities over the short and long term, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (WLC) would like to get input from W̱SÁNEĆ people on the project.
We will be looking for input from W̱SÁNEĆ members about the proposed road work at the Forum. A survey will be available for Forum participants to share their thoughts on the proposed project. We also plan to video the event and make it available on request, along with the survey, so people that who are not able to attend can also provide input.
