News release

Police enforcement of injunction order on Walbran Forest Service Road in Carmanah Valley

November 25, 2025 - Walbran, Carmanah Valley, British Columbia
From: Lake Cowichan RCMP

Content

Lake Cowichan File#: 2025-1653

CRU-BC File#: 5001-2025-1051

Earlier today, on November 25, 2025, the RCMP enforced the injunction order granted by the BC Supreme Court to Tsawak-qin Forestry Limited Partnership and Tsawak-qin Forestry Inc. on September 12, 2025. The injunction prohibits persons from impeding, physically obstructing, or in any way interfering with any person, including any member of the public, from gaining access to or egress from, or otherwise making use of any road, road construction site or planned road construction site situated within the Carmanah Valley area on Vancouver Island near Lake Cowichan.

A blockade made up of individuals, vehicles, and wooden items had been established on the Walbran Forest Service Road within the injunction area for several months, preventing road access and thereby violating the court order.

Operations began at approximately 8 a.m. when officers with the Critical Response Unit – British Columbia (CRU-BC) and Police Liaison Team (PLT) spoke with the protesters at the encampment along the forestry road and advised that enforcement will begin. Officers read the court-ordered injunction to the protesters and provided them with several options. They were provided an opportunity to abide by the terms of the injunction and leave the area, relocate to the side of the road so as not to impede access, or face arrest.

During the course of the day, most of the 15-20 protesters peacefully cleared the area. However, several individuals refused to leave resulting in the arrest of 4 people, 3 of whom for breaching the injunction (2 women and 1 man) and 1 man for criminal mischief. All arrested individuals were processed and released on conditions with scheduled court appearances in January 2026.

The RCMP will continue to monitor the situation and work with all partners to provide assistance as necessary in maintaining peace and keeping everyone safe.

Statement from C̕awak ʔqin Forestry regarding Blockaders in the Walbran Valley, September 8, 2025 (English only)

Statement from Pacheedaht First Nation Regarding the Blockade in the Walbran Valley (English only)

Contacts