Forestry
Traditionally, the Powell River Region's fate has been tied to the forest industry, and even though the sector has seen hard times in British Columbia, the community is one the few to have done well. With a focus on adding value to the fibre harvested in the region, Powell River has forged a new path for its forest sector.
Valuable Fibre Basket
The Powell River Region is home to what is considered to be one of the most valuable timber supplies in the province. Known as a 'transition zone', the region has a plethora of harvestable species...
The majority of the timber logged in the area is Douglas Fir, which is mainly high quality second growth timber.
Access to fibre for small and medium sized forest businesses is good. The area has mixture of small woodlots and according to the BC Ministry of Forests the introduction of the BC Timber Sales Program has worked really well in providing smaller sized operations with equal access to fibre.
Access to local fibre is expected to improve even more with the establishment of a Community Forest License in the region. The Powell River Community Forest Corporation was formed in 2006 after the Province awarded a tenure to the muicipality. The Coporation is making plans begin harvesting this year and which will generate approximately $2-million in revenue for the City.
Value Added Forestry
Value Added Forestry is considered to be on of the top three invesment opportunities in the Powell River region. Local Furniture, Flooring, Cabinet and Specialty Cut Lumber manufacturers are experiencing a marked increase in production. Some have doubled their staffing levels and expanded their markets to the United States and Europe. PRREDS has put a special emphasis on growing this sector in particular.
Strategic Planning
In June 2005 PRREDS released its "Forest Industry Strategic Plan". The plan lays out very clear and measurable objectives including...
Click here to reveiw the Powell River Forest Industry Straegic Plan
