Just minutes after the polls closed Tuesday evening, Green leader Jane Sterk said her party's objective is to form B.C.'s official opposition or even government – but not until 2017.

"We start building immediately," she told The Tyee.

In the weeks and months following election day, Sterk said, the party will focus on establishing strong constituency associations in all of B.C.'s 85 ridings.

"By strong," she said, "I mean with a minimum of 100 to 200 members."

It would mark an apparent shift in strategy from this year's election, when the Greens directed most resources towards electing candidates in southern Vancouver Island.

Sterk said she "wants people to know that the Greens stand for." Creating such awareness over the next four years, she added, will mean that the Greens "are ready with teams and ready for 2017."

Sterk wouldn't comment on whether she'll step down as Green Party leader if she doesn't win her seat.

"I will talk with party about that," she said. "That question is better asked in a few hours."

Geoff Dembicki reports for The Tyee.