Vancouver Island RCMP investigate totem pole arson
![Malahat totem Shawnigan Lake RCMP were contacted just after 4 a.m. on July 2, 2021, when a driver saw that the totem pole at the Malahat lookout was on fire. (RCMP)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2021/7/2/malahat-totem-1-5494770-1649388236216.jpg)
Mounties on Vancouver Island are investigating after a totem pole was set on fire in an apparent act of retribution for the toppling of a statue in Victoria just hours earlier.
Shawnigan Lake RCMP were contacted just after 4 a.m. Friday when a driver saw that the totem pole at the Malahat lookout was on fire.
Police and the Malahat Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene along the Malahat highway.
“The quick thinking of the passing motorist likely saved not only the totem pole, but also a forest fire,” said Shawnigan Lake RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Tim Desaulniers in a statement Friday. “This was a very dangerous act that could have had far reaching consequences.”
Mounties say evidence has been seized from the scene and a forensic identification team is assisting investigators in the case.
Graffiti was found on a concrete barrier in front of the totem pole with the message, “One totem – one statue,” in an apparent reference to the removal of a statue of Captain James Cook in Victoria’s Inner Harbour Thursday night.
“Based on what was written, we feel the two incidences are related,” Desaulniers said.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has video evidence from the scene is asked to contact the Shawnigan Lake RCMP at 250-743-5514.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6977430.1721929538!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
LIVE UPDATES Multiple homes, businesses 'lost' to wildfire in Jasper National Park: Parks Canada
Officials from Parks Canada and Jasper say "multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the town of Jasper, have been lost" to wildfire in Jasper National Park.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have been destroyed in a wildfire.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Former judge with disputed Cree heritage likely has Indigenous DNA: law society
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Tourist suffers 3rd-degree burns to feet after losing flip flops amid soaring temperatures in Death Valley
A tourist was hospitalized after suffering serious burns on his feet on Saturday when he lost his flip flops at a U.S. national park where temperatures soared past 48 Celsius.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.
'Skibidi Toilet:' If you don't know what it is, you will
'Skibidi Toilet' is already an internet sensation and now its about to get even more exposure after the YouTube series is being developed for TV and film, according to a report by Variety.