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Delta the backdrop for launch of new forestry program

The program will be restricted to facilities that have minimal or no forestry tenure and will require that facilities be accredited as a value-added, secondary manufacturer.
foresty-program-in-delta
The BC Timber Sales (BCTS) Value-Added Manufacturing Program will be open to facilities producing high-value products, such as mass timber, plywood, veneer, panelling and flooring.

Coastland Wood Industries Facility on Annacis Island in Delta was site for a provincial announcement regarding support for the value-added forestry sector in B.C.

On Tuesday, Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston and Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Brenda Bailey announced that for the first time, small and medium-sized secondary manufacturers will have a dedicated fibre supply under a new licensing program.

The BC Timber Sales (BCTS) Value-Added Manufacturing Program will be open to facilities producing high-value products, such as mass timber, plywood, veneer, panelling and flooring.

“Our government's vision is to build a stronger, more resilient forestry industry through more value-added manufacturing,” said Ralston. “British Columbians expect that we get the most value from our forests and create more jobs for every tree harvested. That's why we are taking action to ensure innovative, secondary manufacturers have access to the timber they need to invest and grow their operations.”

According to the province, value-added wood products are increasingly in demand as alternatives to carbon-intensive construction products such as cement. This growing demand has resulted in steady job growth and market expansion and by providing greater certainty of long-term timber supply the new BCTS Program will accelerate further expansion.

The program will be restricted to facilities that have minimal or no forestry tenure and will require that facilities be accredited as a value-added, secondary manufacturer. Initially, BCTS will dedicate 10 per cent of its available timber supply to the program for licensees to bid on. More volume is expected in the future.

“As we continue taking strides to get more jobs from our forests, ensuring value-added wood manufacturers have a dedicated fibre supply is crucial to our work to building a clean and inclusive economy that works for everyone,” added Bailey. “This initiative builds on our new BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, which will invest up to $90 million in companies that create new jobs for people by investing in high-value projects, with a focus on communities dependent on forestry.”