BC Backs Two Vancouver Island Wood Manufacturing Investments

On Thursday, BC announced new funding for two Vancouver Island wood products manufacturers under its Look West economic strategy, aimed at expanding higher-value production and strengthening provincial supply chains.

Western Forest Products’ value-added division in Chemainus will receive up to CA$7.5 million from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund to install two continuous dry kilns. The investment is expected to improve drying precision and enable expanded use of second-growth western hemlock in higher-value applications, including future mass-timber inputs, while supporting operational stability on Vancouver Island.

Separately, Island TimberFrame in Cumberland will receive up to CA$325,000 to expand production of structural mass timber and wood-finishing products. The funding will support the purchase and installation of advanced manufacturing equipment, allowing the company to boost efficiency, increase capacity, and compete for larger construction projects.

The province said the investments are intended to help protect and create sustainable jobs while reinforcing BC’s wood manufacturing and construction supply chains.