Communities across B.C. unite to demand an end to old-growth logging and call for new forestry strategies as protests sweep more than 20 towns.
Local Rallies Gain Momentum
Communities across British Columbia are gearing up for a loud and lively push against old-growth logging, and Vernon, Revelstoke, and Penticton are right in the middle of it. Although frustration has been growing for years, the energy around Tuesday’s rallies feels different, because many groups are now organizing together and urging people to show up in big numbers.
In Vernon, protesters plan a “showdown at BC Timber Sales”. Because organizers want to create a bold visual message, they are asking supporters to come dressed in western gear. As a result, the Ministry of Forests office on 14th Avenue is expected to look more like a movie set than a government building from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 18.
Protests Spread Through the Province
Penticton will rally outside City Hall at 11 a.m., and many other communities including Victoria, Nelson, Smithers, Parksville, Courtenay, Prince George, Grand Forks, Powell River, and Port Coquitlam are joining in as well. Because organizers want unity, they released a shared statement explaining that communities are coming together to push for transparency, ecological health, and a shift toward sustainable forest management.
As rallies spread, the movement continues to gather support from taxpayers, farmers, tourism business owners, unemployed mill workers, environmental groups, and residents who say B.C.’s forests need immediate protection. Many feel that current forestry practices are falling short, and because of that, they believe stronger action is needed.
Industry Pressures Add Fuel to the Fire
The rallies come at a tense moment. West Fraser Timber Company just announced the permanent closure of its 100 Mile House mill, explaining that there simply isn’t enough accessible, affordable timber. Only days earlier, Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Ward Stamer warned that the industry is drifting deeper into crisis unless major changes are made.
Because frustration is running high, organizers are directly criticizing B.C. Forestry Minister Ravi Parmar. They point out that seven mills have closed during his eight-month term, and they accuse him of making international promises the province cannot deliver on. They argue that while he opens trade offices abroad, B.C.’s old-growth forests continue to shrink at home.
Calls for a New Direction
The protests are not only about stopping old-growth logging. They’re also about pushing for a new way to keep mills alive without wiping out remaining primary forests. Organizers say the province must shift toward value-added wood manufacturing, because doing so would protect biodiversity while still supporting local jobs.
Valerie Elliott, the provincial spokesperson for the protests, said the message is simple: B.C. cannot depend on U.S. markets forever, especially during ongoing tariff disputes. Because of this, she believes the province must adopt regenerative forestry, a model that builds healthier forests and steadier long-term employment.
Where to Learn More
Supporters can find protest details and background information at savewhatsleft.ca, where more than 20 rally locations are listed. Penticton’s event will take place at City Hall, and Revelstoke’s rally has been confirmed, although organizers are still finalizing the exact time and place.
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