The provincial government is injecting cash into early-stage planning for a potential forestry project by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and its economic development arm, Nch'ḵay̓ Development Corporation, it was announced last week.
With $50,000 from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, the Nation will conduct pre-construction engineering and site assessments to determine the potential for a future capital project.
What does the funding cover?
The funding is part of a broader provincial program designed to support forestry innovation and job creation in communities across British Columbia.
For the Squamish Nation, the money will focus on the groundwork—planning activities like engineering studies and site evaluations—that’s needed before moving forward with a major project.
Though details of the project haven’t been finalized, it represents a larger push in the forestry sector to use resources more efficiently, shift away from old-growth timber reliance, and invest in high-value manufacturing, the release states.
What is the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund?
The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund was created to support projects that modernize operations, boost sustainability, and create jobs in sectors like forestry, reads the press release.
It aims to prioritize initiatives in Indigenous and rural communities, recognizing the importance of equitable economic opportunities.
Since its launch, the fund has funded projects across the province, from producing prefabricated housing components to developing new technologies for engineered wood products.
According to the press release, the goal is to get more value from every tree harvested, create new jobs, and reduce waste.
“Using available fibre wisely is an important part of B.C.’s plan for sustainable forestry,” said Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Diana Gibson, in the press release.
“The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund is partnering with forestry companies throughout the province to grow and stabilize their operations and get the most out of our fibre supply, while producing more made-in-B.C. engineered wood products.”
Investments across the province
Apart from the Squamish Nation, the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund is providing up to $5.1 million toward seven forest-sector capital projects and five planning initiatives across the province.
Some of the other beneficiaries include:
- Cedarland Forest Products Ltd. in Maple Ridge will receive up to $1.3 million to install high-temperature kilns and a moulder. This investment will allow the company to diversify its fibre sources to include underutilized species, reduce reliance on old-growth cedar, and create 23 jobs.
- Gilbert Smith Forest Products in Barriere will receive up to $1.1 million to modernize its facility and acquire new equipment. The upgrades will enable the production of new products, expand the range of value-added offerings, and create nine jobs.
“B.C. has some of the most creative, innovative and motivated forestry companies on the planet,” said Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar, in the release.
“The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund helps businesses scale up, increase productivity, and create new jobs by getting the most value out of every tree we harvest.”
To learn more about the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund and other initiatives it supports, visit gov.bc.ca/ManufacturingJobsFund.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief's Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
