VICTORIA — The Government of British Columbia announced earlier this month it will invest $7.8 million to advance wood building products and systems and promote B.C. wood overseas.
Thirteen industry trade associations and research institutes were selected through an annual call for proposals process to receive funding and deliver wood innovation programs on behalf of both government and industry.
B.C.’s contribution is managed through Forestry Innovation Investment, the province’s market development agency for forest products, and the province will cost-share with the federal government through Natural Resources Canada, with additional funding provided by B.C. industry, explains a release.
The organizations receiving funding include the Canada Wood Group, which receives $3.26 million; with $1.06 million for the Wood Specialties Group; $717,000 for the Canadian Wood Council; $448,000 to the Council of Forest Industries; and $329,100 for the University of British Columbia. Other recipients are the Wood Products Council with $379,000; FPInnovations with $200,000; the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau, $123,000; $81,000 to the Construction Foundation of BC; $62,900 for the Wood Pellet Association of Canada; $45,400 for the Engineered Wood Products Association; and $40,900 for the University of Northern British Columbia.
“Building with wood has many benefits: its lower carbon footprint, its cost-effectiveness and its versatility,” said Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Minister Doug Donaldson in a statement.
“The funding announced today will help continue to position British Columbia as a preferred supplier of environmentally friendly forest products.”
More than $5.9 million will go to expanding market opportunities for wood in both North America and Asia, while $1.85 million will go to activity through the Wood First program, including research, marketing, capacity building and education about advanced wood products.
“The collaborative approach between industry and government toward market development ensures that our sector remains competitive and that we can continue to develop and diversify opportunities for the sector in targeted export markets,” said Council of Forest Industries president and CEO Susan Yurkovich.
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