Vancouver renames Trutch Street to Musqueamview

✍️ By Karalee Greer | WBN News – Kitsilano | May 16, 2025 Subscription to WBN and being a Contributor is Free.

On June 20, 2025, the City of Vancouver and the Musqueam Indian Band formally unveiled new street signs for šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmasəm Street—officially translated as Musqueamview Street—replacing the long‐standing colonial name Trutch Street in Greektown (Kitsilano)

Historical Background

Originally named in 1886 after Joseph Trutch, British Columbia’s first Lieutenant‑Governor, the street has been marked by his deeply prejudiced legacy—most notably his denial of Indigenous land rights and sharp reductions in reserves by over 90% https://vancouver.ca/people-programs/musqueamview-st.aspx

In July 2021, Vancouver City Council unanimously resolved to rename the street, responding to advocacy from the Musqueam under reconciliation efforts

In September 2022, the Musqueam Nation gifted the City the name šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmasəm, in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, marking Vancouver’s first street to bear an Indigenous-language name, though implementation took additional years to finalize administrative and logistical details.

City Budget & Signage Replacement

The renaming impacted approximately 100 unique addresses along the 1.65 km stretch between West 1st and West 18th Avenues. According to the City’s report, there were no net financial implications; signage replacement and associated work were absorbed within existing budgets, as they were part of a larger reconciliation program Vancouver City Council.

On June 20, crews installed dual-language signage—upper line in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, lower line “Musqueamview Street”—along posts and at key transit stops. TransLink has since updated its bus stop announcements and onboard display systems on Routes 2 and 33 to reflect the new legal designation.

Address Change for Residents

Residents received hand‑delivered notification letters on June 6, 2025, detailing how to update mailing addresses, utility accounts, licence plates, vehicle registrations, insurance, ICBC details, etc.

To ease transition, Canada Post has provided free mail forwarding for one year, ensuring that mail addressed to “Trutch Street” will still be redirected until July 21, 2026. Residents are encouraged to include both names in official records during the transition period:

Systems such as ICBC are updating to recognize the English translation, and the City is working on updating emergency and mapping databases.

Name Change in Other Areas

Google maps and ambulance services, as well as CRA (federal budget), the school board (provincial budget) and other government agencies like hospitals will take time to update their systems.

A Milestone in Reconciliation

The renaming is a significant act of social justice and cultural revitalization—transforming a street once named after a colonial figure into one that honours Musqueam language and presence. As Mayor Ken Sim stated at the unveiling: “Reconciliation must be reflected in our actions, and that includes the symbols and names we choose to honour.” https://vancouver.ca/news-calendar/musqueamview-street-signs-unveiled-today-at-community-celebration.aspx

This transformation marks a step toward recognizing and embedding Indigenous identity within the city—where every address now carries not just a location, but a story of healing and respect.

Karalee Greer - Publisher Subscription to WBN and being a Contributor is Free.

Tags: #WBN Kitsilano #Karalee Greer #Reconciliation #Musqueam Nation #Indigenous Voices #Kitsilano #City Of Vancouver #Truth And Reconciliation