Last year marked the most destructive wildfire season in the recorded history of British Columbia (BC). Provincial data reveals that a staggering 2,245 wildfires ravaged over 2.84 million hectares of forest and land. This number is double the previous record of 1.35 million hectares burned in 2018. 2023 Was A Concerning Trend Jens Wieting, senior policy and science advisor at the Sierra Club of BC, expresses deep concern over the extent of forest destruction in BC and across Canada in 2023. He describes it as a highly emotional topic due to alarming trends. “The area of forests burned both in ..read more

The British Columbia (B.C.) government and the Council of the Haida Nation have come together to sign a groundbreaking agreement that officially recognizes the Aboriginal title of Haida Gwaii. This momentous occasion comes more than two decades after the nation initiated legal action to seek formal recognition of their rights. A Foundational Step in Reconciliation Last month, the province announced that it had reached a proposed deal with the Haida, marking a significant milestone in the reconciliation process between the Haida Nation and B.C. Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Minister M ..read more

OTTAWA, ON, April 15, 2024 – Tim Hortons is taking a step towards reducing single-use plastics by introducing plastic-free, fiber hot beverage lids in select restaurants in Ottawa and Gatineau. The trial, which will last for up to six weeks, aims to develop a guest-friendly alternative that is easier to compost or recycle while still providing a great drinking experience. Developing a Sustainable Solution Tim Hortons is focusing more on finding innovative solutions to reduce the use of single-use plastics. The new fiber lids being tested in Ottawa and Gatineau are designed to mimic the feel of ..read more

C&D Lumber Co., a family-owned business founded in 1890, has announced the closure of its mill in Riddle, Oregon. This marks the fourth mill in the state to announce closure plans in recent months, leaving 93 workers without jobs. The sawmill will cease operations on May 2, with some operations continuing for a few months while inventory is processed. Emotional Impact on Workers The closure announcement has brought a wave of emotions for both the employees and the Johnson family, who owns C&D Lumber. Some employees have dedicated over 30 years of their lives to the mill, working alongs ..read more

Forestry has always been closely tied to the land and the Indigenous peoples who have cared for it for generations. Fortunately, the forestry sector is now undergoing a significant shift towards including First Nations and Indigenous people in the important dialog of shaping forestry’s future. A Historic Mission in Tokyo From December 10-14, 2023, Tokyo served as the epicenter for discussions on the future of forestry. The occasion marked the 100th anniversary of timber trade between Canada and Japan and went beyond mere commemoration. The mission aimed to strengthen ongoing initiatives i ..read more

In a significant code update, Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing will soon amend its Building Code, allowing Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction (EMTC) buildings to soar up to 18 stories—6 stories higher than the current limit. The Ontario Forest Industries Association Applauds Government’s Decision Ontario’s forest products industry is welcoming the government’s move to allow mass timber building technology. For example, Ian Dunn of the OFIA comments, “The Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA) applauds the government’s decision to expand the use of advanced wood con ..read more

The vivid imagery of vast stretches of forest reduced to ashes, communities forced into evacuation, and smoke plumes reaching as far as New York City, has reignited concerns within Quebec’s forest fire prevention agency and its communities. Here’s what they are doing as an attempt to prepare for a repeat of 2023’s fire season… or worse. Communities Bracing for Quebec’s 2024 Fire Season In Lebel-sur-Quévillon, a town situated 800 kilometers north of Montreal, Mayor Guy Lafrenière voices a common sentiment of unease. “We’re going to be worried all summer,” With the memory of last year’s two ev ..read more

A Symbolic Venue The Kwanwatsi Big House at the We Wai Kum First Nation in Campbell River served as the perfect location for the formal signing of a groundbreaking agreement between North Island First Nations and Western Forest Products. Chief Chris Roberts of We Wai Kum expressed his gratitude for the use of the house, highlighting that it was constructed using wood from their own territory. The massive beams supporting the roof were made from their land, and twin cedar pillars carved into Totems adorned each end, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the community. A Momentous Occasion Th ..read more

Montréal, Canada— The Montréal Wood Convention (MWC) 2024, the premier event for the wood industry in North America, is scheduled to take place from April 9 to 11, 2024, at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montréal. This convention, the largest of its kind in Canada, will draw over a thousand participants from across the globe. With more than 110 booths showcasing the latest trends, technologies, and products by the biggest companies in the industry, attendees can expect a comprehensive overview of the wood sector’s innovations and advancements. In addition to the exhibition booths, the convention ..read more

Background West Fraser Sawmill in Perry, Florida, is set to permanently close its doors at the end of March, according to a company spokesperson. This decision comes after the mill was indefinitely curtailed in January 2023, with only a small crew remaining on-site for maintenance purposes. The closure of the mill is attributed to high fiber costs and a challenging commodity market, which have hindered its profitability. Prior to the curtailment announcement, the Perry Sawmill employed approximately 126 workers. Impact on Jobs and Community The closure of West Fraser Sawmill in Perry marks ano ..read more