The Government of British Columbia is strengthening the province’s forestry sector with new investments aimed at creating sustainable jobs, enhancing local supply chains, and expanding made-in-B.C. products.
Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), up to $11 million will support four major capital projects in the forestry sector.
“These timely investments into our province’s manufacturing and forestry value-added sectors will help strengthen homegrown B.C. companies, which in turn creates stronger local economies and sustainable jobs,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation.
A major beneficiary is Spearhead Timberworks Inc., near Nelson, which will receive up to $7.5 million to build a new state-of-the-art facility. The investment will allow the company to expand its advanced timber fabrication capabilities and create more than 60 skilled jobs in the region.
Other recipients include:
Westlam Industries Ltd. in Langley, which will receive up to $1.5 million to build a new facility and install automated equipment, creating 46 jobs.
Mercer Celgar Limited Partnership in Castlegar, awarded up to $1.75 million to modernize its small-log line, helping to secure over 400 jobs.
Greyback Construction Ltd. in Penticton, granted up to $235,000 to develop prefabricated housing construction operations, adding 12 jobs.
Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, praised the recipients: "Spearhead, Westlam, Mercer Celgar, Greyback Construction, and many others are stepping up and investing in their workers and communities, and we’re right there with them."
The BCMJF is part of B.C.'s broader strategy to transition the forestry sector toward high-value, innovative manufacturing. Since its inception, the fund has committed over $97 million to forestry projects, helping create and protect more than 3,500 jobs across regional, remote, and Indigenous communities.
