The B.C. Geographical Names Office (BCGNO) is contemplating removing the name “Trutch” from four additional locations in British Columbia due to the negative legacy associated with Joseph Trutch, the province’s initial lieutenant-governor known for implementing discriminatory policies towards Indigenous communities, such as significantly reducing reserve sizes and prohibiting Indigenous land acquisitions from non-Indigenous individuals.
CBC News was informed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport that a request to rename these locations was received in August 2021 from an individual concerned about Trutch’s historical actions. The sites currently under review include Mount Trutch near Golden, B.C., Trutch Island in the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, Trutch, B.C., and Trutch Creek, an abandoned area situated approximately 250 kilometers north of Fort St. John, B.C., along the Alaska Highway.
While the province deliberates on the appropriate course of action, it has initiated discussions with local governments, First Nations, and relevant organizations that might be impacted by the name changes. First Nations groups informed of the potential alterations include Fort Nelson First Nation, Dene Tha’ First Nation, Prophet River First Nation, Doig River First Nation, Halfway River First Nation, and Horse Lake First Nation.
In a letter dated December 4, the Peace River Regional District was officially notified by the BCGNO about the proposed name rescissions and subsequently discussed the matter during a meeting on January 8 without any remarks. The BCGNO’s letter highlighted Trutch’s dismissive attitude towards First Nations’ land claims and the absence of negotiations or compensation for Aboriginal title extinguishment.
Acknowledging the insensitivity of commemorating Joseph Trutch through official geographical names, the BCGNO is exploring the renaming process. Previously, the name “Trutch” was eliminated from a street in Vancouver, which was renamed in June 2025 to Å¡xÊ·məθkʷəy̓əmasəm Street or Musqueamview Street to honor the Musqueam First Nation. Similarly, Richmond and Victoria have also renamed streets, and the University of Victoria altered the name of a residential building to disassociate from Trutch’s racist past.
Despite no replacement names being proposed for the four locations in question, the ministry stated that if the names are rescinded, they will no longer be used officially but will be retained in online records. The engagement period will continue until March 6, with feedback influencing the subsequent actions. This initiative aligns with previous considerations by the province to remove controversial names from landmarks, such as the potential renaming of Mount Bedaux and Bedaux Pass due to Charles Bedaux’s connections to Nazi Germany, anticipated to be decided later this year.
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