Jobs and Economic Growth
Summary
- Two Vancouver Island wood manufacturers receive a total of nearly $8 million from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund to accelerate production of value-added wood products
- Western Forest Products’ Value Added Division in Chemainus will build two continuous dry kilns to expand high-value products and create new opportunities for second-growth hemlock to produce higher value products
- Cumberland timber frame manufacturer will expand production and diversify its capabilities
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Through the Look West economic strategy, two Vancouver Island wood-product manufacturers will soon be able to produce more, higher-value products, including mass-timber products and inputs, with new funding that will help protect and create sustainable jobs, and reinforce British Columbia’s supply chains.
“Tariffs from the United States are severely impacting our forestry sector and putting the paycheques of the hard-working British Columbians that depend on it into jeopardy,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “As part of our Look West goal of tripling B.C. wood in construction over the next 10 years, we’re supporting two wood manufacturers to pivot faster to higher-value products that will help them reach more reliable markets and customers, while protecting jobs in forestry-dependent communities.”
Western Forest Products’ value-added division in Chemainus, through the Province’s BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), is receiving as much as $7.5 million to add two new continuous dry kilns to its manufacturing operations. By improving drying precision, these kilns allow Western to expand high-value applications for second-growth western hemlock, including in future mass-timber inputs. This support increases the stability of its operation and harvesting operations on Vancouver Island.
In addition, Island TimberFrame in Cumberland is receiving as much as $325,000 to expand its production of high-value structural mass timber and wood-finishing products through the purchase and installation of new advanced manufacturing equipment. This will enable the company to improve operational efficiency, increase production capacity, and enable access to larger construction projects.
“We are investing in B.C.’s coastal forest sector because workers deserve certainty and a future,” Parmar said. “This investment means innovation and real action, putting B.C. wood to work here at home, adding more value-added jobs, and ensuring stronger paycheques for families.”
The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund
The fund helps manufacturing businesses grow their operations to produce and sell more made-in-B.C. products, create good jobs and strengthen the economy.
Since 2023, the program has committed nearly $91 million in support of 75 forest product manufacturers, which is leading to more than $590 million in total investment. It has created or protected more than 3,500 jobs, many in regional, remote and Indigenous communities.
This work is part of the Province’s Look West plan for jobs and industry, which outlines B.C.’s vision to deliver jobs and opportunities for people by strengthening the workforce to develop a more independent and resilient economy. This includes delivering major projects quicker, diversifying markets and growing targeted sectors, such as technology, aerospace, marine, AI and Quantum, life sciences, agriculture and construction innovation.
Quotes:
Steven Hofer, president and CEO, Western Forest Products –
“These investments are vital to our company, employees and the communities where we operate. They enhance our ability to add value to harvested timber and support family-sustaining jobs – from the seedlings we grow to the products we send to global markets. Support from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund has been key in advancing these projects amid sector headwinds, and we appreciate the Province’s partnership in strengthening value-added manufacturing on Vancouver Island.”
Carl Tessmann, partner, Island TimberFrame –
“Support from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund will help Island TimberFrame expand exports and domestic supply of value-added wood products by investing in production systems and advanced manufacturing equipment. The result of these funds will strengthen partnerships with First Nations and wood suppliers across British Columbia, while creating skilled employment in our rural community.”
Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim –
“It’s encouraging to see a Cumberland business investing in innovation and sustainability. Island TimberFrame is partnering with government to expand into a growing market while strengthening local employment, supporting the forestry sector, and creating long-term opportunities for the future.”
Qwulti’stunaat – Debra Toporowski, MLA for Cowichan Valley –
“This is a clear example of how we can strengthen local economies and work to build a cleaner, more resilient future for forestry in the Cowichan Valley. When local companies succeed, it helps our province thrive.”
Learn More:
To learn about the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, including a list of recipients, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/economic-development/support-organizations-community-partners/rural-economic-development/manufacturing-jobs-fund
A backgrounder follows.
