The second Cariboo-Chilcotin Forestry Forum drew a strong turnout, with nearly 70 sector representatives gathered in Williams Lake to discuss the sector’s future in the region.
The Forum brought together First Nations, local government, and industry and community organizations in the Lake City on Nov. 6.
Hosted by the City of Williams Lake, the Forum built on the initial gathering back in July, this time focusing on strengthening connections and finding practical ways to support the local industry in the region.
“What we’re finding is that just the opportunity to convene folks is proving to be really beneficial, because that’s where a lot of connections and opportunities present themselves,” said Beth Veenkamp, Manager of Economic Development for the City of Williams Lake.
“Forestry is a big ship, and it’s very hard to turn it around. What we’re attempting to do here is bring it all in and really focus on our local area and what issues, challenges, and opportunities there may be for us to collaborate and find solutions locally.”
The day began with a presentation from Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. CEO Percy Guichon, who discussed the Palmer Project and opportunities to recover and use fibre from wildfire-affected trees.
Participants also toured Zirnhelt Timber Frames and OT Timber Frames to see how local timber is being turned into value-added products, including timber structures and precision wood components.
Other presentations highlighted skills training through Toosey Old School Wood Products and proposed opportunities through the Cariboo Wood Innovation Training Hub, which is expected to begin operating in January 2027.
Discussions identified several priorities for the region, including improving communication between timber licensees and local manufacturers, strengthening collaboration between industry, First Nations and local governments, and finding ways to get more value from regional timber.
Participants also identified longer-term priorities, such as ensuring high-value trees reach the manufacturers best suited to use them, reviewing timber pricing and appraisal systems to support more direct sales, and speeding up the recovery of fire-damaged timber.
Veenkamp said there was also a greater sense of optimism at the November forum compared with the July gathering, following the change in provincial leadership.
“There’s definitely a sense of hopefulness that was not there in July with the change in the government,” Veenkamp said.
“ It can be nothing but helpful that we have a premier elect who is from the Cariboo and understands the industry. What we learned in July is there’s a lack of information about the vitality of the industry and how important it is to support it going forward. It’s not true that the forestry is dead. So [there’s] a lot of hopefulness that Lorne is going to be able to see past that and provide some leadership to get us where we need to go.
Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor said seeing local innovation and investment was encouraging.
“We have the expertise to make the best use of the trees in our region, and I look forward to bringing the ideas and solutions discussed forward to Victoria,” Rathor said.
Cariboo Regional District Chair Margo Wagner also highlighted the importance of working together to develop solutions that reflect the region’s needs and opportunities.
Ideas raised during the forum will be shared with participants, with another gathering planned for spring 2027.
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