Wood Markets News


B.C. Government Hears from 161 First Nations on Old-Growth Deferral Plan

In early November, the B.C. government announced that its expert panel had mapped out 26,000 square kilometers of old-growth forest at risk of permanent biodiversity loss. At that time, the government asked more than 200 First Nations in the province to decide within 30-days whether they would support the planned deferrals in those area, or if the plan required further discussion.

Syilx Okanagan Nation Rejects B.C.’s Process to Identify Old-Growth Forests

On Friday (12-17-21), the Syilx Okanagan Nation, the tribal council representing seven area First Nations, said they are rejecting the process that the B.C. province has used to identify old-growth forests. The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) chair Clarence Louie slammed the province’s consultation process as “inadequate and superficial,” noting all of the Syilx community forestry companies have been left out.

Multifamily Construction Continues its Shift to the Suburbs

According to the latest release of the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Home Building Geography Index (HBGI), the trend of apartments and other multifamily residential construction continued to shift to suburban areas in Q3 2021. According to the HBGI between Q3 of 2020 and 2021, the share of new multifamily permits fell from 40.5% to 37.9% in large metro core markets.

Leading Economic Index® for U.S. Climbs Higher in November

The Conference Board, a non-partisan, not-for-profit think tank founded in 1916, released today (12-20-21) the Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the U.S. in November. According to the report, the LEI for the U.S. increased by 1.1% in November to a reading of 119.9 (2016=100), following a 0.9% increase in October and a 0.3% increase in September.

Teal Jones to Build New Sawmill Facility in Bossier Parish, Louisiana

Teal Jones, a 70-year-old, family-owned company based in British Columbia, Canada, today announced that the company is looking forward to bringing a $110.5 million Southern Yellow Pine lumber mill to Bossier Parish, Louisiana. To become a reality, the company is pursuing a payment in lieu of taxes agreement with local taxing entities. Teal Jones expects to source southern yellow pine timber from their landowner partners in this project, as well as other regional suppliers.

Canfor Corporation Announces Purchase of Millar Western Forest Products’ Alberta Assets

Canfor Corporation on Thursday (12-16-21) announced it has entered into an agreement with Millar Western Forest Products Ltd. to acquire the Millar’s solid wood operations located in Alberta, Canada, and associated tenure for $420 million (CAD), which includes $56 million in working capital. Millar Western’s solid wood operations will add 630 million board feet of production capacity.

Oregon Mass Timber Coalition Project Selected as Finalist for New Federal Funding

A proposed project by the Oregon Mass Timber Coalition to create a mass timber modular facility in Portland has been selected as one of 60 finalists for new federal funding through the $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge. If chosen to move forward, they could receive up to $100 million to expand mass timber production, boost jobs, help with wildfire prevention, and lead to more affordable housing.

Canadian Home Sales and Prices Edged Higher in November

According to statistics released on Wednesday (12-15-21) by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), home sales recorded over Canadian MLS® Systems edged up 0.6% between October and November 2021. The small increase followed on the heels of a 9% increase in activity in October. The actual (not seasonally adjusted) number of transactions in November 2021 was very strong historically, edging down a scant -0.7% on a year-over-year basis.