The B.C. Geographical Names Office (BCGNO) is contemplating removing the name “Trutch” from four additional locations in the province due to the negative historical associations with Joseph Trutch, B.C.’s inaugural lieutenant-governor, known for discriminatory policies toward Indigenous communities, such as significant reductions in reserve sizes and restrictions on Indigenous land transactions.
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport confirmed receiving a renaming request in August 2021 from an individual concerned about Trutch’s actions. The sites being reviewed for renaming are Mount Trutch near Golden, B.C., Trutch Island in the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, Trutch, B.C., and Trutch Creek, an abandoned locality situated about 250 kilometers north of Fort St. John, B.C., along the Alaska Highway.
Engaging with local governments, First Nations, and relevant organizations potentially impacted by the name changes, the province is in the process of determining the appropriate course of action. First Nations groups being informed include the 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.
A letter sent on December 4 to the Peace River Regional District by the BCGNO informed them of the renaming consideration. The letter highlighted Trutch’s stance on Indigenous land claims and the lack of negotiations or compensation for Aboriginal titles, emphasizing the need to address the harm and offense associated with commemorating Joseph Trutch through official geographical names.
Previously, the name “Trutch” was removed from a Vancouver street in June 2025 and replaced with Å¡xÊ·mÉθkÊ·ÉyÌÉmasÉm Street or Musqueamview Street in honor of the Musqueam First Nation. Other cities, including Richmond and Victoria, also renamed streets, and the University of Victoria renamed a residence building to reflect this historical reassessment.
The province has not yet received replacement name suggestions for the four sites under review. If the name change is approved, the old names will be discontinued officially but preserved in online records. The engagement period will remain open until March 6, with feedback informing the next steps in the decision-making process.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the province to reconsider controversial names associated with landmarks. In a similar vein, the proposal to remove the names of Mount Bedaux and Bedaux Pass due to Charles Bedaux’s connections to Nazi Germany is also under review, with a decision expected later this year.