Nova Scotia Forestry Innovation Transition Trust to Invest $6.1 Million in New Center for Forest Innovation

Formed after the closure of the Northern Pulp mill in January 2020, the Forestry Innovation Transition Trust in Nova Scotia announced it will invest $6.1 million (CAD) over four years for the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) to create a new Centre of Forest Innovation at its Truro, N.S. campus. With this announcement, the $50 million Forestry Innovation Transition Trust has invested $10.4 million in seven projects. The center will be built by June 2022 and open for students in September 2022.

According to a government press release, the new center will feature a simulator immersion lab, demonstration woodlot, innovative technology and programming designed to meet the needs of the province’s forestry industry. The NSCC will design and deliver core certificate programs for forest inventory and ecological resource management. The college will also offer shorter courses for continuing education and skill development.

The provincial government says one of the main goals of the center will be to grow Nova Scotia’s forestry workforce by providing greater access to training and inclusion of youth, Black, Indigenous and women learners through tuition bursaries.