B.C. First Nation blocks construction of bridge replacement project

The Splatsin First Nation in British Columbia’s Interior has taken a stand by blocking access to the R.W. Bruhn Bridge construction site in Sicamous, B.C. The reason behind this action is the alleged exclusion of its workers and businesses from the government-funded infrastructure project.

Since 10 a.m. on Monday, four dump trucks from the Splatsin Development Corporation (SDC) have been strategically parked at both ends of the bridge, effectively halting construction on the new four-lane replacement. This move was initiated by the Splatsin First Nation and SDC in response to what they perceive as a pattern of broken agreements by the Aecon Group Inc. and Emil Anderson Construction, the two firms contracted to build the bridge.

Kukpi7 (Chief) Mike Christian, who also chairs the SDC board, stated, “This is sort of our only recourse… to set up these blockades to get some attention.” The community feels that they have been marginalized from meaningful participation in the project despite being located in Secwépemc territory.

The bridge replacement project, valued at $224 million, is being carried out by Aecon-Emil Anderson Construction General Partnership (AEGP), a joint venture responsible for constructing a new multi-use bridge over the Sicamous Narrows, highway widening, and intersection upgrades. However, SDC claims that they have only been given three months of meaningful work instead of the promised two-year opportunity.

Among the grievances outlined by Splatsin are the removal of an Indigenous-operated emergency medical vehicle, the exclusion of SDC trucks from the site despite a 50/50 trucking agreement, frequent last-minute schedule changes leading to job insecurity for Indigenous crews, and arbitrary dismissal of Indigenous workers without explanation. The nation also alleges that fuel purchase agreements benefiting Indigenous suppliers were undermined.

Christian emphasized that the community’s primary goal is to secure a signed agreement from the Ministry of Transportation or the contracting companies to rectify the situation and adhere to the terms of the contract. While the blockade may cause inconvenience to commuters, traffic is still permitted through a designated detour route.

The Ministry of Transportation and Transit acknowledged the situation at the Bruhn Bridge project and stated that they are working closely with all parties to address concerns and resolve issues promptly. The ministry advised motorists to check DriveBC for updates on the situation. Neither Aecon Group Inc. nor Emil Anderson Construction responded to CBC’s request for comment.

Splatsin believes that the exclusion they are experiencing is part of a broader trend where contractors are evading obligations under B.C.’s Indigenous participation framework. The Neskonlith Indian Band, another Secwépemc community, expressed solidarity with Splatsin’s concerns and frustrations regarding the implementation of the B.C. Infrastructure Benefits (BCIB) model.

Kukpi7 Irvin Wai of Neskonlith emphasized the need for fair and transparent access to opportunities that impact their land and people, stating, “We are not asking for special treatment… only for fair and transparent access to opportunities that impact our land and our people.” Splatsin is urging the province to enforce its Indigenous Opportunities Implementation Plan and uphold the principles of reconciliation.

“This partnership was supposed to be about inclusion and shared opportunity,” Christian reiterated. “Instead, it’s become one-sided and disrespectful.” The community remains resolute in their demands for fairness and accountability in the project’s execution.