Provincial government expands BC Timber Sales

B.C. plans to double the province’s publicly owned timber supply.

This measure will expand the role of BC Timber Sales (BCTS), which currently manages 20 per cent of Crown timber supply.

The Ministry of Forests says it will be implementing these and other necessary changes in order to support the provincial forestry industry and to increase fibre supply for wood manufacturing.

Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, says the industry is facing pressure from wildfires, climate change, and U.S. trade.

A government-commissioned review has created 54 recommendations to create a more stable forest economy.

“The recommendations in themselves point to a vision for forestry in British Columbia, where we continue to be active in our forest management. I think there is huge potential for British Columbia to be a forestry superpower,” said Parmar.

The recommendations aim to stabilize local mill supply and support small businesses by making it easier for smaller companies to bid on auctions in groups.

Additionally, the changes will protect B.C. forests by reducing undergrowth and other plants that grow underneath larger trees. This will allow trees to have more space to grow and strengthen them against fire and other threats.

Equally important, the changes will boost First Nations partnerships by obtaining fair-market returns for timber under licences.

Three towns gain more control over local forest resources

“We have in the past, but we have to do it in a way that balances stewardship and ensures that First Nations are at the table,” Parmar said.

As part of the recommendations, include expanding community forests in Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake, and Fort St. James.

These three towns will gain more control over forest management and local log supply.

“With Trump’s economic attacks, increasingly intense wildfire seasons, we need to take bold and decisive action. BC Timber Sales will set the stage for how our sector can thrive today, tomorrow, and for the next 7 generations to come,” Parmar said.

“Our work is to reestablish the role of public interest and stewardship, and within the forest sector.”

The government commission met with 50 groups and individuals and received more than 300 submissions from January to July 2025 before issuing the recommendations.

Parmar wants the changes implemented quickly, although some require legislative approval.