On Friday, October 17, the Ministry of Forests, through the Value-Added Accelerators, in partnership with the BC First Nations Forestry Council, the Council of Forest Industries, and the BC Value-Added Wood Coalition, hosted the Coastal Currents Regional Fibre Flow Forum in Richmond. Coastal Currents was designed to bring together stakeholders from across the coastal region to share insights, discuss fibre flow challenges and opportunities, and foster connections that support business development. Modeled after successful regional forums such as Roots in the Koots (Nelson), the Robson North Thompson Forestry Coalition, and the Northwest Fibre Symposium (Terrace), this event focused on collaboration within a specific geographic area to strengthen the value-added wood sector.

The response was overwhelming, the session sold out, welcoming over 70 participants with strong representation from both the value-added and primary sectors. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations about regional fibre dynamics and explored innovative ways to work together for a more resilient and sustainable forest economy. Minister Ravi Parmar joined the session for part of the day, answering questions and engaging in dialogue with participants. Assistant Deputy Ministers Melissa Sanderson and Jillian Rousselle also attended and joined the Minister on stage, answering questions and supporting the dialogue.

Feedback from attendees has been very positive. Participants valued the information shared and the networking opportunities provided. Many highlighted the importance of having a cross-section of the sector involved and appreciated the candidness of presentations and discussions, including hearing directly from major licensees about the challenges they face. This event demonstrates the power of collaboration in building a stronger, more sustainable forestry sector in British Columbia. A copy of the presentation slides from this session is available upon request for those who were unable to attend.