Lighting up of the sequoia tree on the grounds of the legislature as part of the Christmas Lights Across Canada celebration has been postponed due to a protest planned for the legislature this afternoon.
The annual light-up, which was set to start at 6 p.m. today, will not take place as planned, with organizers hoping to reschedule it for Dec. 7.
A group that’s been protesting old-growth logging at Fairy Creek near Port Renfrew — the Rainforest Flying Squad — has said it’s planning an Indigenous-led “mourning procession” for old-growth forests in downtown Victoria this afternoon.
The procession is set to begin after 3 p.m. at the central branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library system on Broughton Street and head down Douglas Street to the legislature via Humboldt Street, culminating in a “ceremonial circle” behind the legislature, starting at 5:30 p.m.
The group is calling on the provincial government to impose a moratorium on the logging of all old-growth forests, to consult with Indigenous leaders, and to implement the recommendation of the government’s Old-Growth Strategic Review to immediately protect all at-risk old-growth forests.
Victoria police advised drivers to plan alternate routes in anticipation of traffic disruptions downtown and at the legislature. Police said they are deploying temporary monitored CCTV cameras to “help keep everyone safe.”
parrais@timescolonist.com
