Ernie Sellentin’s connection to British Columbia’s landscapes runs deep. He began his career working in the Texada Island quarries before following in his father’s footsteps as a timber faller. From 1978 to 1995, he worked in the logging industry across coastal B.C., gaining firsthand experience with the land’s rugged beauty—and its vulnerabilities. Over the years, he witnessed how invasive species, habitat degradation, and unsustainable land use were disrupting delicate ecosystems. He knew there had to be a better way.
Determined to make a difference, Ernie left the forestry industry in 1995 to pursue higher education. He earned a Diploma in Environmental Assessment Technology and later a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Royal Roads University, graduating in 2000. Equipped with both practical experience and scientific expertise, he re-entered the workforce with a new mission: to restore and protect the very ecosystems he had spent decades working in.
In 2001, he founded Sellentin’s Habitat Restoration & Invasive Species Consulting Ltd., focusing on habitat restoration, invasive species management, and sustainable land stewardship. His company quickly gained a reputation for integrity, innovation, and results-driven ecological solutions. By working with municipalities, conservation groups, and private landowners, Ernie helped transform degraded landscapes into thriving, self-sustaining ecosystems. His approach wasn’t just about removing invasive species—it was about restoring balance to the environment.
Over the years, Ernie expanded his leadership beyond his business. From 2005 to 2009, he served as a Director on the Board of the Invasive Species Council of BC, helping shape province-wide strategies for invasive species management. In 2017, he was nominated as the B.C. Green Party candidate for Courtenay-Comox, bringing his expertise in forestry and environmental restoration to the political arena.
Today, Sellentin’s Habitat Restoration is a leading ecological restoration firm, driven by Ernie’s original vision: to restore, protect, and sustain British Columbia’s natural landscapes for future generations.
Because for Ernie, it was never just about removing what didn’t belong—it was about bringing back what does.
In June 2023, Ernie’s youngest daughter, Olivia Sellentin, joined SHR full-time after earning a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Health from St. Francis Xavier University, where she also competed as a varsity soccer player.
Having grown up working alongside her father and witnessing his relentless dedication to both his family and his mission, Olivia returned with a vision for the future. She immersed herself in the business, eager to learn every aspect of owning and operating an environmental enterprise. With the support and guidance of her older brother Reid and older sister Serena, Olivia has since taken on a senior leadership and business development role, helping to shape SHR’s next chapter.
Under Olivia’s leadership, SHR has refined its vision, mission, and values, reinforcing its commitment to bridging the gap between nature and society by restoring degraded lands to native ecosystems that are self-sustaining. Today, SHR stands as a leader in environmental restoration and vegetation management on Vancouver Island, guided by its core values of Integrity, Innovation, Sustainability, Community, and Stewardship.
For Ernie, his greatest success isn’t just the company he built—it’s the fact that his children are now carrying his mission forward. As he gradually transitions into his later years, he is passing the reins to the next generation, confident that the business is in capable hands.
His dream has come full circle—not only has he spent his life doing work that matters, but he is surrounded by a family who shares his passion and commitment. And perhaps, one day, his grandchildren will continue his legacy, ensuring that Sellentin’s Habitat Restoration thrives for generations to come.