Norman Fennema

HIST 3991: Environmental History

Britnie Hearsey

February 9th 2024

The Ecological History of Crofton, B.C.: A Journey Through Physical Environmental Transformation

I acknowledge that for thousands of years the Quw’utsun, Malahat, Ts’uubaa-asatx, Halalt, Penelakut, Stz’uminus, & Lyackson Peoples have walked gently on the unceded territories where I now work, live, and learn. I honor and strive to learn from the original inhabitants of this great land.

I reside on the eastern shores of Vancouver Island, Crofton, British Columbia. Here, much like the rest of British Columbia’s west coast, lies a rich ecological history that reflects the dynamic interplay between nature and human activities. This essay explores the physical environment of Crofton, tracing its ecological history from pre-contact Indigenous use and settlement to current contemporary urban development and stewardship initiatives. Through the lens of wildlife, early settlement, resource extraction, invasive species, and community stewardship efforts, we will begin to understand the tapestry of Crofton’s physical environmental narrative.

Long before European contact, the region now known as Crofton was inhabited by Indigenous peoples who relied on the land and water for sustenance. According to a local man in a British Columbia Magazine article called Coastal Crofton, the Halalt First Nation lived here for  thousands of years. He adds that previously a group known as Tliyamen (People of the Mountain) were here as well. They have since vanished, reportedly several hundred years before the explorers and later the settlers, thought to be extinct. 

These First Nations communities, including the Stz’uminus, Lyackson Peoples,

Quw’utsun, Malahat, Ts’uubaa-asatx, Halalt, and Penelakut, forged a deep connection with the local ecosystem. From the B.C Treaty Commision website I have learned that the Halalt First Nations are one of five communities represented by the hul’qumi’num Treaty Group. It is reported that there are currently approximately 6,890 Indigenous individuals in the hul’qumi’num Treaty Group.Their sustainable practices, such as selective harvesting of resources, and fishing practices contributed to a balanced and resilient environment. 

According to Wikipedia the mid 19th and early 20th centuries marked a period of significant change for Crofton as European settlers established communities based upon preemptions and initiated resource extraction activities. Logging and mining became dominant industries, shaping the physical landscape and impacting local ecosystems. Old-growth forests were harvested, altering the composition of plant and animal communities. Those that lived in the area relied on fishing, prawning, and other marine life. The extraction of resources had both economic benefits and environmental consequences, setting the stage for ongoing discussions about sustainable development.

According to the same article above, it was in 1956 when the town of Crofton experienced a shift away from the smelters and railroads. According to Wikipedia in 1955 B.C Ferries Began daily sailings between Crofton and the Island of Salt Spring and the building of the Crofton mill, a pivotal player in the timber industry. The mill drastically impacted the physical environment of Crofton for decades to come. Young families moved from all over as the houses were cheap to buy and the mill needed many workers. The town seemed to flourish, until the 1980’s. 

According to the local Halalt in the 1980’s the mill underwent some renovations, revealing underneath a sacred burial ground. Unfortunately, the Halalt First Nations discontinued two civil lawsuits against the Catalyst company. It can be read in the Cowichan Valley Citizen in 2016 that they felt it was not the best route to go and will need to regroup. However, they went on to make a  video on Youtube called Xelaltxw – Building a better tomorrow. It is in this video that I learned that since the mill began operating in 1957 it has destroyed food practices, inundated the air with toxic pollutants and has wreaked havoc on the marine ecosystems. 

A 1991 report from the B.C. Aquaculture Research and Development Council, the report can be found here https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/library/documents/bib93284.pdf,   discovered high levels of dioxins in blue heron in the ecosystem surrounding the pulp mill. As a result the federal government implemented new rules the following year regarding the release of dioxins and furans. Sadly, the damage was already done and some permanent fishing closures were posted. Additionally locals in the video reported the attempt to raise cattle in the 60’s led to devastation as deaths among the cows were directly linked to toxic water. 

Today the Crofton mill remains to be a focal point of environmental discussions in the region. Check news reported on January 19, 2024, that the mill had been responsible and subsequently fined 25,000 dollars from the federal government from dumping approximately 1 million liters of toxic discharge. The evolving dynamics of the mill, its environmental practices, and the community’s responses highlight the intersection of industrial activities and environmental stewardship in Crofton.

Crofton’s surrounding landscape has been a haven for diverse wildlife throughout history. Pre-contact, the region supported a rich variety of fauna, including salmon, bears, deer, and numerous bird species. However, the arrival of European settlers brought significant changes, with habitat alteration and overhunting leading to the decline of some species. The introduction of non-native species has been another factor influencing Crofton’s ecological dynamics. Invasive species, such as Scotch broom and purple loosestrife, have outcompeted native flora, disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Efforts to control and manage invasive species have become integral to preserving the region’s biodiversity. Local organizations and residents work collaboratively to identify and address the impact of these invaders on the environment.

Crofton’s evolution from a resource-dependent settlement to a modern urban area has brought about both opportunities and challenges. Urban development has altered the natural landscape, leading to habitat fragmentation and loss. The expansion of infrastructure, such as roads and buildings, has reshaped the physical environment, requiring careful planning and sustainable practices to mitigate ecological impacts. Balancing the needs of a growing community with the preservation of natural habitats is an ongoing challenge for Crofton.

In response to the environmental challenges posed by urbanization, Crofton has witnessed a surge in not only community-led stewardship initiatives but famous ones as well. The https://saltspringarchives.com/driftwood/2004/V44n38Sept22-2004AE.pdf  reported in 2004 that Randy Bachman and the Barenaked ladies hosted an event in Duncan in hopes to raise money and awareness again the Crofotn mill due to the air pollution it was immiting. Randy Bachman has said that he will not rest until somethings been done. Unfortunately as of 2018 the air pollution in this area remains a problem. The National Pollutant Release Inventory Canada reported in 2018 that the Crofton mill was number 4 out of 600 among the British Columbia air emissions based on the release of major pollutants. Capital Daily writes that “when it comes to overall pollutants, Crofton is consistently among the worst industrial emitters.”

  Urban stormwater retention systems have been implemented to manage runoff and reduce the impact on local water bodies. Community gardens serve as green oases, promoting local food production and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility. Composting facilities contribute to waste reduction and soil enrichment, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices.

North Cowichan reports that nearly 75% of the residents of Crofton are third generation residents. They have also released a Crofton Local Area Plan within which they hope to reduce air pollution, GHG emissions and energy consumption. They also plan to add roundabouts and reinforce safety procedures along the roads into Crofton. I have seen myself the implementations have begun. In addition they hope to remediate the industrial pollutants that are currently occupying the marine sea bed and expand the Crofton Seawalk.

Crofton’s ecological history is a tale of resilience, adaptation, and transformation, with recent environmental news shedding light on the ongoing evolution of the community. From its pre-contact roots with Indigenous communities to the challenges posed by resource extraction, urban development, and the dynamics of the Crofton mill, the community continues to navigate a complex relationship with its environment. The ongoing efforts in stewardship underscore a collective commitment to balance human needs with the preservation of the natural world. As Crofton continues to evolve, the lessons learned from its ecological history can guide future endeavors, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between the community and its surrounding environment.

Photo by Kevin Oke.