Summary

• An innovative business project in the Kootenays is receiving approximately $182,000 to help create new economic opportunities and strengthen forestry and agriculture sectors
• The project will reduce emissions by turning wood waste into biochar, a stable, carbon-rich form of charcoal produced by heating organic waste in a low-oxygen environment​, while supporting job creation and youth retention in the region
• The project is funded through the Province’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program

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A Kootenay-based project is receiving provincial funding to convert forestry waste into a soil supplement, benefiting agriculture and forestry sectors, while supporting training and good-paying jobs in the region.

“People in rural communities are finding innovative ways to create new opportunities for their families and neighbours while caring for the environment,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “By turning wood waste into valuable new products, this project is creating jobs, supporting local businesses and helping build a stronger future for the community. Through our Look West strategy, we are investing in the people, ideas and industries that keep rural British Columbia thriving.”

Through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), the Province is providing approximately $182,000 to Wildsight to support its Fire for Healthy Soils project in Creston. The funding supports a pilot project to convert wood waste into biochar, which is a stable, carbon-rich form of charcoal produced by heating organic waste in a low-oxygen environment. It will connect rural forestry and agriculture while advancing sustainable economic growth in the Kootenays.  

Strengthening forestry and food security in Kootenays

The provincial investment will support Wildsight, the Creston Community Forest and the Regional District of Central Kootenay to collaboratively pilot a biochar business project using low-cost kiln technology.

Instead of pile-burning waste wood, the project will transform hazardous wildfire fuels and wood waste into biochar. It is primarily used as a soil supplement to improve agricultural yield, enhance water retention, improve soil quality by storing carbon and other essential soil nutrients, and keep carbon out of the atmosphere. The material will be tested in forestry, agriculture, composting, gardening and landscaping applications.

While research shows strong interest in biochar, businesses need local proof before investing. The project will demonstrate its value in the Kootenays, building demand for biochar and kiln rentals, and supporting local businesses and jobs.

By demonstrating a practical, scalable model for turning wood waste into biochar, the project will support other rural communities in B.C. in adopting similar approaches, enhancing forestry revenue, reducing emissions and strengthening food security.

It will also provide training opportunities for local youth, build skills, support job creation and improve youth retention in the region through the Youth Climate Corps (YCC). The YCC program launched in the Kootenays in 2020 through Wildsight and has since grown into a provincewide initiative, Youth Climate Corps BC. Wildsight continues to run the East and West Kootenay YCC crews.

“Projects like Fire for Healthy Soils are helping our communities find innovative ways to reduce emissions, make better use of wood waste and support our local economy,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central. “This work is strengthening our forestry and agricultural sectors and supporting job growth and long-term rural resilience.”

Supporting economic diversification through REDIP

REDIP supports economic diversification and resilience, strengthens economic capacity and supports economic infrastructure development in rural and Indigenous communities in B.C.

Since 2022, the Province has invested $156.5 million through REDIP, supporting 525 projects throughout B.C. and creating an estimated 7,500 jobs in rural communities.

Quotes:

Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food –

“We’re always looking at ways to embrace cutting-edge innovation and new technology and helping farmers adapt to a changing climate. This project will strengthen the resiliency of our food systems by boosting productivity on the ground and supporting long-term food security in B.C. communities.”

Graeme Lee Rowlands, water and climate director, Wildsight –

“Since 1987, Wildsight has collaborated with partners like Creston Community Forest and the Regional District of Central Kootenay to pursue new ways for our communities to thrive in greater harmony with the natural world. This project overlaps community resilience, climate action, youth empowerment and economic innovation.”

Daniel Gratton, forest manager, Creston Community Forest –  

“The Creston Community Forest has always focused on innovative projects that support sound environmental stewardship while providing employment opportunities in the Kootenays. Creston is well-positioned to explore new methods to support its agricultural and forest sectors.”

Learn More:

• To learn more about the REDIP and see the lists of approved projects, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/redip