The Government of Canada has announced an investment exceeding $20 million to support 67 projects aimed at strengthening British Columbia's forest sector. The funding, unveiled by Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, will enhance competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience in the industry.
Among the funded projects, Fast+Epp Structural Engineering received $170,000 for its "Post + Panel" project, which focuses on point-supported cross-laminated timber (CLT) testing to improve building code adoption. Additionally, the "Reach" design tool, developed by Fast+Epp Engineers Inc. with $150,000 in funding, offers a web application for designers to compare structural and carbon performance across construction systems.
Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. received $115,000 to update the Canadian Nail-Laminated Timber Design and Construction Guide, incorporating revised national building codes and industry standards. The Vienna House Demonstration Initiative, supported with $435,225, promotes mass timber construction methods for multi-family residential buildings.
Indigenous-led projects are a key focus, with $200,000 allocated to the Sts'ailes Development Corporation for planning a community-owned forestry business. The Nisga'a Nation received $44,625 for a feasibility analysis of wood waste collection and transportation to the Skeena Bio Energy facility. The Dease River Development Corporation was awarded $332,000 to expand forest product manufacturing operations, enhancing employment opportunities for Indigenous communities.
The Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program is also advancing innovation in the sector. StructureCraft Builders Inc. secured $1.3 million to expand CNC milling and automated coating systems for improved panel production efficiency. BC Passive House (2014) Inc. received $2.5 million to develop Canada's first commercial-scale mass timber panel manufacturing facility meeting Passive House standards.
The Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) continues to promote Indigenous leadership in forest stewardship. Projects such as the Tsilhqot'in National Government Forestry Strategic Action Plan ($105,765) and the Heiltsuk Economic Development Corporation's wood processing operation ($533,000) highlight this commitment.
Canada's investment also includes $434,940 to support industry engagement on reducing trade barriers for forest products, with the Canada Wood Group addressing phytosanitary measures and technical standards. Additionally, the Wood Pellet Association of Canada received $180,000 to develop international standards for wood pellet trade.
