Three B.C. old-growth logging protesters face mischief charges after blockade

A protest that snarled Monday morning traffic at the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge has now led to criminal charges.

Members of Save Old Growth have been periodically blocking lanes on major commuter routes as they push the province to ban the logging of old-growth forests.

Now, three people have been charged with mischief after allegedly driving a car onto the Ironworkers and attempting to lock themselves inside.

Kathleen Higgins, 28, William Winder, 69, and Deborah Tin Tun, 37, have been accused.

Police say they have been released from custody after appearing in court and agreeing “not to deliberately block or impede traffic on any roadway in B.C.”

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Two other protesters arrested during the attempted blockade are due back in court to face charges.

Meanwhile, Save Old Growth says one of its members suffered a “life-altering injury” after an “enraged man” destroyed a support, causing the ladder to collapse during a blockade of Highway 17 on Vancouver Island.

“We do not want to risk our lives by inconveniencing people, but this is what it’s come to,” said organizer Sophia Papp. “Business as usual has placed us on a globally terminal trajectory, and it’s up to our government, the largest legislative force, to act in the best interest of people’s future; this includes protecting old-growth forests.”

A crowdfunding effort says the man shattered his pelvis and will require high-risk surgery.

The group is demanding the NDP government enact legislation to ban all old-growth logging in B.C.

Save Old Growth has warned it will be ramping up disruptions in its continued protest of old-growth logging in B.C.