Region Archives: Canada

Business & Politics

Canfor announces permanent closure of Northwood Pulp Mill

CKPG Today
July 14, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — Canfor has announced it will permanently close its Northwood pulp mill in Prince George, a decision that will directly affect 300 employees and mark another significant blow to the city’s forestry sector. The company cited ongoing financial losses, a global oversupply of pulp, and continuing challenges securing fibre needed to operate the mill sustainably. The closure will reduce Canfor’s annual production of Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft pulp by 300,000 tonnes. The Northwood facility is expected to undergo an orderly wind-down process before shutting down permanently in late 2026. Canfor CEO Susan Yurkovich said the decision was a difficult one but necessary given current market conditions. …The global pulp industry continues to face major challenges as significant new production capacity has come online around the world. …The company also pointed to long-standing fibre supply issues in BC. …Those conditions have led to a prolonged period of unsustainable losses for its pulp division.

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BC Minister’s statement about the closure of Canfor’s Northwood Pulp Mill

By Ministry of Forests
Government of British Columbia
July 14, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

Ravi Parmar

Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests said “news that the Canfor Northwood pulp facility will be closing is heartbreaking. …I have reached out to Unifor Local 603, the City of Prince George and other community partners to offer my support. Staff in the ministries of Forests; Jobs and Economic Growth; and Social Development and Poverty Reduction, will be deploying support to affected workers. We will be leaning on our federal government partners to help support the transition the forestry sector is facing in the Prince George region. “BC’s forestry sector is facing immense challenges. …None of that softens the news, but it shows why we must keep pushing to stabilize and transform BC’s forestry sector.

In a related statement by Kim Haakstad, CEO of the BC Council of Forest Industries: “Forestry supports nearly 100,000 good jobs, generates billions in economic activity, and underpins reconciliation and rural stability. Every day without long-term predictable and economic access to wood means more families, workers, and communities are put at risk. We call on the provincial and federal governments to urgently implement the recommendations of the Forest Sector Transformation Task Force, with a specific focus on improving access to wood and utilization of sawmill residuals.”  

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Mosaic Outlines New Direction for Recreation Access After Independent Review

Mosaic Forest Management
July 10, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

NANAIMO, B.C. — Mosaic Forest Management is changing how it manages recreation access on its Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast lands, following an independent review prompted by last year’s public survey. More than 7,600 people responded to that 2025 survey. Mosaic then brought in recreation and tourism specialists RC Strategies and Legacy Tourism Group to dig into what was working, what wasn’t, and what a better program could look like. “As demand for outdoor recreation on Vancouver Island has grown, so have the expectations placed on our private lands,” said Duncan Davies, President and CEO. …The review’s message: recreation on Mosaic’s lands has outgrown the program built to manage it. That’s showing up as inconsistent gate hours, unclear rules between user groups, and a system built to control access rather than support the people using it. Mosaic is responding on three fronts — making access more reliable, planning recreation more deliberately, and strengthening relationships with First Nations, governments and recreation groups.

Additional coverage in the Campbell River Mirror, by Marc Kitteringham: Mosaic changing how it approaches recreation on Vancouver Island forest lands

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A Judge Recognized Aboriginal Title on Private Property. Panic Ensued

By Arno Kopecky
Maclean’s Magazine
July 13, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

Malcolm Brodie

RICHMOND, BC — On a Thursday afternoon in August of last year, Malcolm Brodie, the mayor of Richmond, B.C., got a call from one of the city’s lawyers. He had news: the province’s Supreme Court had reached a decision in Cowichan Tribes v. Canada, the longest trial in Canadian history. The verdict wasn’t what Brodie wanted to hear. …B.C. Supreme Court Justice Barbara Young determined that the Cowichan title was “prior and senior” to private property and recognized the Cowichan people’s Aboriginal title—a unique mixture of property rights and governing authority—to 300 hectares of the city. …The situation metastasized into a crisis for B.C.’s NDP government, which had been a vocal supporter of Indigenous rights since coming to power in 2017. …Proving Aboriginal title in court is a monumental undertaking. That’s why only two nations, Tŝilhqot’in and Nuchatlaht, both in B.C., had done it successfully before the Cowichan.

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B.C. Conservative MLA Stamer talks trade, tariffs and border security with U.S. envoys

By Josh Dawson
Castanet
July 14, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

©Ward Stamer Facebook

Kamloops-North Thompson B.C. Conservative MLA Ward Stamer says he raised softwood lumber and tariff concerns during a meeting last week with senior U.S. diplomats. The forests critic was one of several B.C. Opposition MLAs to meet with Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, and Vancouver-based U.S. consul general Shawn Crowley on July 4. …Stamer said the meeting was “very positive.” …“The president can say things that might sort of seem kind of contradictory to what we’re talking about, but at the end of the day the president is trying to have more manufacturing in his country, and that is why he’s pushing so hard in making some of these deals,” Stamer said. Stamer said he explained to the ambassador an example where a full log can be made into veneer in Kamloops, then shipped down to the U.S. where it’s then made into cabinets — a “win-win” for both countries.

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Major changes coming to Corner Brook Pulp and Paper: A look at Kruger’s new four-prong plan

By Diane Crocker
The Telegram Newfoundland and Labrador
July 14, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada East

©Kruger

Kruger has revealed the details of its planned $700 million investment in Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited, and it’s a big plan that involves a change in the way the mill makes paper and how it generates energy. Darren Pelley, Kruger’s vice-president of special projects, provided an overview of the project, which has been dubbed Project Tuckamore, during a luncheon meeting of the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade at the Glynmill Inn in Corner Brook on Tuesday, July 14. Project Tuckamore is “a generational change,” and one that involves a major revitalization and investment in operations, Pelley said. “We are investing in the long-term future. Kruger is committed to the long-term operation of the mill here in Corner Brook but also all their operations for Deer Lake and the region,” said Pelley. “This project is something that is an investment in our community and is an investment for the long-term.”

Additional coverage in the CBC, by Ashley Fitzpatrick: Corner Brook community hopes raised as Kruger pitches Project Tuckamore

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Ontario sports bar fined for illegally importing items made from rosewood

Environment and Climate Change Canada
Government of Canada
July 13, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

BRAMPTON, Ontario — The Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton, Ontario, Dream Billiards Sports Bar and Eatery was fined $25,000 after pleading guilty to one offence under subsection 6(2) of the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA). This conviction relates to importing items made from rosewood, a protected exotic wood, without a permit. The Act requires permits when importing CITES-listed plants. The fine will be directed to the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund. …In February 2025, Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers inspected a shipment of billiard table legs from India that was intercepted by the Canada Border Services Agency in Mississauga, Ontario. 

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Pulp and paper mill to trial new lithium processing technique

By Sam Goldstein
Your Thunder Bay
July 13, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper will be collaborating with Rock Tech Lithium to pilot a new technique for separating lithium from rock. Using a $262,500 investment from Ontario, over the next few months the mill will test out the viability of using crude tall oil, a byproduct of the mill’s production processes, as a material for lithium processing. …“It’s a win-win for northwestern Ontario: as we see mining move forward, it’s really a win for the forestry sector,” says Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products Kevin Holland. “It’s an example of how we’re going to diversify not just the markets related to forestry byproducts and mill residuals, but also diversifying the products that we can produce from forestry biomass and mill residuals.” …While there is no guarantee yet, the hope… for synergy between the forestry and mining sectors. 

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Strengthening and advancing Quebec’s forest sector transformation

By Natural Resources Canada
Government of Canada
July 14, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada East

Trois-Rivières, Quebec — Canada’s forest sector is facing significant pressures, including tariffs, fibre supply constraints, shifting global markets and the impacts of climate change. These challenges are being felt across the country, including in Quebec, where the forest sector is a key economic driver, representing nearly 10 percent of exports by value, generating $6.4 billion in provincial GDP and supporting nearly 60,000 jobs. In partnership with the province of Quebec, the Government of Canada is taking action to address these challenges and position Quebec’s forest sector for long-term success. Today, Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, highlighted over $17 million for 12 forest sector transformation projects across the province. These projects will advance the development of low-carbon technologies for the sector, support Indigenous participation and forest-sector businesses, increase manufacturers’ capacity to add value to wood products, and help diversify export markets.

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Interfor launches hiring push for industrial millwrights at Timmins sawmill

By Interfor
Timmins Today
July 14, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada East

Interfor is looking for skilled, safety-focused, and motivated Industrial Millwrights to join the team in Timmins. Interfor is one of the world’s largest forest products companies with operations across North America and customers around the globe. If you have a Red Seal Millwright Certification or a Planer Technician certification, read on to find out why this position is right for you! …“At Interfor, we offer consistent 4-day workweeks (10-hour shifts) or specific weekend rotations, offering a better work-life balance compared to typical, irregular maintenance jobs,” Interfor spokesperson said. “In addition, Interfor prioritizes internal promotion and provides opportunities for training and career advancement, as well as maintaining a clean and safe environment with top-tier safety standards.” …“Interfor is a century-old mill that has been a staple of Northern Ontario since 1919, providing a secure, stable career in a tight-knit, collaborative team:” said the spokesperson. “We have the “Timmins Tough” mentality.”

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Wood, Paper & Green Building

Design principles for winning wood interiors

naturally:wood
July 14, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada West

The Inside Wood technical handbook provides guidance critical to wood interiors, and combines insights from over 40 contributors who have incorporated exposed wood surfaces into their building designs. Use this handbook to leverage the unique characteristics of wood, and methods to protect, maintain and repair it for long-term performance. Developed by architecture firm ZGF for Forestry Innovation Investment, it combines insights from 40+ contributors who have successfully incorporated exposed wood surfaces into their building designs. This practical, visual publication presents themes that are critical to successful wood interiors, including design decisions that leverage the unique material characteristics of wood and methods to protect, maintain and repair it for long-term performance. Learn about key design considerations and experience innovative, strategic and elegant wood solutions that are transforming B.C. buildings.

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Government of Canada invests over $8 million to help Surrey businesses boost productivity

By Pacific Economic Development Canada
The Government of Canada
July 13, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada, Canada West

SURREY, British Columbia — The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development) announced over $8 million in RTRI funding for four Surrey businesses to help them diversify exports, grow locally, and compete globally – building prosperity for British Columbians and all Canadians. These investments support the Government of Canada’s measures to help businesses in sectors affected by global trade disruptions – such as forestry, manufacturing, and steel and aluminum – boost productivity, reduce costs, build more resilient supply chains, and reach new markets. … More details about these investments can be found in the backgrounder. …The investments include MTC Solutions – $630,250. MTC Solutions is an engineering company that designs and supplies the connection systems used in mass timber construction projects across North America. The investment will help MTC establish an advanced research and manufacturing facility, including acquiring new testing and machining equipment to develop Canadian-made mass timber hardware. 

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World Cup fans hosted under timber sky at new Freedom Mobile Arch in Vancouver

By Rebecca Keillor
Vancouver Sun
July 13, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada West

©PNE

At Hastings Park, the newly completed Freedom Mobile Arch is giving Vancouver a new kind of cultural landmark: a covered outdoor venue designed for concerts, festivals and public gatherings of up to 10,000 people. Completed in June, and host to the city’s FIFA Fan Festival, the amphitheatre is defined by a sweeping mass-timber roof that shelters audiences while preserving the feeling of being outdoors. It’s a civic room that frames the sky and North Shore mountains. For Venelin Kokalov of Revery Architecture, who designed this building, the finished venue closely reflects their original vision, but with one important difference: the atmosphere can now be felt. The amphitheatre’s defining gesture is its roof: a starburst mass-timber canopy spanning 105 metres, arcs rising 25 metres high. Comprising 60 arches arranged in six vaulted segments, it has the drama of a landmark, with the softness of a natural material.

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Funding for Alberta Manufacturers: Apply Before July 31

Canadian Wood Council, WoodWorks
July 14, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada West

Attention Alberta Value-Added Wood Manufacturers and Associated Wood Suppliers: Applications Close July 31. The Alberta Value-Added Wood Products Program (AVAWPP) has launched the new Innovation Support Program (ISP), a capital investment funding opportunity designed to help Alberta’s value-added wood manufacturers and their wood suppliers scale operations, expand capacity, and accelerate growth. With funding available for equipment and manufacturing investments, the ISP builds on the success of AVAWPP’s previous Business Development Program and supports projects that create meaningful growth and innovation across Alberta’s wood products sector.

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Forestry

Saving our forest industry means addressing the real threat

By Robert Gray, wildland fire ecologist
The Vancouver Sun
July 14, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada

Robert Gray

The greatest threat to the forest industry in Canada and to the rural communities that are dependent on it is wildfire. Yet, you wouldn’t get that impression from recent policy announcements. …The forest industry is heavily dependent on predictability for its survival — predictable access to fibre, predictable forest growth rates, and predictable volumes. Right now, thanks to drought, insects and wildfire, the ability to predict any of these things is questionable. …This leads to an interesting dilemma: Is a concept like the annual allowable cut even relevant if we can’t predict how much fibre is available to a forest company next year or over the next five to 10 years? …The focus needs to be on wildfire risk reduction at scale, strategic reforestation focused on using forest types to impede fire flow and alter severity, and realigning the industry to respond to a changing wood profile.

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Environment Canada issues extreme heat warnings across much of Canada

By Uday Rana
Global News
July 14, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada

Many Canadians are in for a sweltering day on Tuesday, with Environment Canada issuing extreme heat warnings for multiple provinces. Heat warnings now cover most of Ontario along with parts of Quebec, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories, meaning millions of Canadians are going to be impacted as the temperatures soar. Environment Canada categorizes hot weather as an extreme heat event when daily temperatures reach heat warning thresholds on two or more days in a row with no relief overnight, sometimes with high humidity. In southwestern Ontario, including in Toronto, maximum temperatures could swing between 30 and 37 C, Environment Canada said, with humidex values ranging from 38 to 40. Tuesday “will mark the peak of this heat event,” the alert said. “Maximum temperatures near 37 degrees Celsius are expected this afternoon for some areas over southwestern Ontario, around the Greater Golden Horseshoe and eastern Ontario,” Environment Canada said in its alert.

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Threat of lightning could change Northern B.C. fire season

By Nick Dube
CKPG News
July 14, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

BCWildfireService

PRINCE GEORGE – Although Northern British Columbia has avoided the widespread wildfire activity seen in recent years, provincial officials are warning that the next several days could mark a turning point as lightning, wind and dry conditions increase the risk of new fire starts across the province. The warning comes as crews continue battling the Brunswick Wildfire Complex near Boston Bar, where evacuation orders and alerts remain in effect and hundreds of residents have been forced from their homes. Speaking during a provincial wildfire and drought update, Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Kelly Greene said the fires near Boston Bar continue to have significant impacts on local residents. …As of the latest update, there were 23 active wildfires burning across British Columbia. Five new fires had been discovered in the previous 24 hours while eight others had been declared out.

Related coverage:

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Urging people, businesses to conserve water

By Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Government of British Columbia
July 14, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Randene Neill

Government is urging people in B.C. to conserve water over the coming weeks as forecasts suggest much of the province will experience elevated drought conditions that may increase water-scarcity risks. “Protecting B.C.’s water resources is a shared responsibility, and the actions we take today will help communities, farmers and businesses manage increasing drought pressures,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “We are working closely with First Nations, local governments, industry and the agricultural sector to support water conservation and long-term water security.” …People are encouraged to reduce water use wherever possible to help protect local watersheds and reduce the risk of water scarcity. Voluntary reductions in water use, along with favourable weather and rainfall, can play a critical role in maintaining stream flows and reducing pressure on watersheds and aquatic ecosystems.

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What do you picture when you hear “old growth”?

naturally:wood
July 14, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Old-growth forests are home to a range of trees including older—but not always bigger—trees. Characteristics of old-growth forests vary according to their location, structure and ecosystem characteristics. What counts as old growth depends on where the forest is located. In the coastal and interior wet belt regions of British Columbia (B.C.), trees are considered old growth if they are more than 250 years old. The threshold for interior forests is 140 years, due to harsher, dry conditions. Hear directly from B.C.’s Chief Forester, Shane Berg, as he explains how forests in British Columbia are managed and what that means for wood sourcing. This video provides a clear overview of forest governance, sustainable harvesting practices and the role of science-based decision-making—helping project teams better understand the systems behind responsibly sourced B.C. wood.

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British Columbia expands value-added timber program to include custom processors

By Ministry of Forests
Government of British Columbia
July 13, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

British Columbia is expanding the BC Timber Sales Value-Added Manufacturing Program by creating a new dedicated category that will secure fibre for custom cutters and processors. BC’s action builds on Canada’s Forest Sector Transformation Task Force, which was commissioned in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s new duties and tariffs on Canadian wood products. The task force recommends strong support for value-added operators so Canada can build high-quality products at home. “British Columbia’s path forward for forestry can’t just be providing dimensional lumber to Americans. We have to make more in B.C.,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. …Custom cutters and processors are a group within the value-added wood-manufacturing sector without their own sawmilling facilities. …BC Wood Specialties Group Association’s chair, Kelly Marconi said “our custom cutting and processing members were part of the task force’s public consultation, so we are pleased to see this inclusive change.”

Additional coverage in the Campbell River Mirror by Mark Page: Specialty ‘custom cutters’ added to BC Timber Sales program

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The 2026 BC First Nations Forestry Conference Proceedings Report is Here!

BC First Nations Forestry Council
July 13, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

We’ve captured the 2026 BC First Nations Forestry Conference highlights, key takeaways, and memorable moments in our 2026 Proceedings Report, we invite you to explore and revisit the conversations that made this year’s event so impactful. The 2026 BC First Nations Forestry Conference was hosted on the traditional, unceded territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) Nation in Kelowna, BC. This year’s conference was guided by the theme Forest Nations Rising: From Strong Roots to Global Horizons, bringing together First Nations, industry, government, sponsors, and partners to shape the future of forestry in British Columbia. This year’s event reflected both the growing strength of First Nations leadership and the deepening relationships transforming how forests are stewarded, managed, and shared. The continued support of industry leaders, program partners, sponsors, and educational institutions, alongside the dedication of Nations and government, made this gathering possible and underscored a shared commitment to advancing the sector together.

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Approximately 45,000 hectares safeguarded for 10 years in new K’ih t̲s̲aaʔd̲z̲e Protection Area

By Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Government of British Columbia
July 13, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Approximately 45,000 hectares of Crown land in northeastern British Columbia has been protected for the next 10 years to help safeguard ecologically and culturally significant land within Treaty 8 territory. The interim measure is intended to safeguard the area’s ecological and cultural values while long-term land-use planning and protection discussions continue. On Friday, July 10, 2026, the B.C. government established the K’ih t̲s̲aaʔd̲z̲e Protection Area under the Environment and Land Use Act (ELUA), supported by a Forest Act (Part 13) designated area. The protection area will help conserve caribou habitat and boreal ecosystems and encourage ecological restoration while supporting ongoing collaborative land-use planning with Doig River First Nation. The ELUA designation will protect the area from new land and resource dispositions and industrial activity while allowing existing lawful activities to continue, provided no new disturbance of the land surface occurs. Forestry activities will be restricted in the same area for four years.

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Inviting residents of the Cranbrook region to help guide forest management

By Ministry of Forests
Government of British Columbia
July 13, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Residents in Cranbrook, Kimberley, Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford and surrounding areas are invited to share their input about the development of the Cranbrook Forest Landscape Plan, to guide forest-management decisions in the area. The plan focuses on improving forest management for the 1.2-million-hectare Cranbrook Timber Supply Area. “Everyone deserves a say in how our forests are managed, and when we’re all at the table, we can deliver forest landscape plans with clarity and predictability for our workforce and for our environment,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “Forests are the foundation of creating opportunity at home and abroad. Over the last few months, we’ve made real progress on forest landscape plans throughout B.C. We need your feedback to ensure we get the Cranbrook Forest Landscape Plan right.” People can share their thoughts through a survey that will run from Monday, July 13 to Sept. 25, 2026. 

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Nanaimo resident pushes to save rare wetland from development

By Julie Chadwick
Victoria Times Colonist
July 13, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

A resident of Nanaimo’s Rock City neighbourhood in north Nanaimo is speaking out against a development project she says threatens a unique wetland that is a “crown jewel” of the city. Tamara Brown has lived in the area for about six years and says she has extensively studied both the wetland and the proposed four-storey, 102-unit rental development, which would also have two storeys of parking. The heavily forested, sloped 1.52-hectare property at 3400 Barrington Rd. was rezoned for medium-density residential use four years ago. The current project was approved by the city in early January, although work has not yet begun. Critics are concerned that the removal of trees, bedrock blasting and excavation expected during construction would disturb the water flows of a rare ecosystem. …At a council meeting this week in Nanaimo, Brown raised other concerns, including the potential impact on the Garry oak ecosystem and breeding habitat for birds and amphibians.

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Parksville council endorses Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan

Parksville Qualicum Beach News
July 13, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Parksville council has endorsed a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan — the first step towards integrating its recommendations into city plans and policies. Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans include wildfire threat mapping and follow the BC FireSmart framework and provincial wildfire risk reduction objectives, according to a report by Fire Chief Marc Norris, of Parksville Fire Rescue. The city hired Frontera Forest Solutions to develop the plan, using FireSmart grant funding. The plan found Parksville “is at an overall low risk of devastating wildfire igniting within the city, however pockets of medium and high-risk locations do exist within the city’s wildland urban interface.” The biggest risk was wildfires burning in “high-risk areas” could carry smoke or embers into Parksville. Vulnerabilities identified were seasonal increases in fire-related activity linked to human behaviour, including deliberate ignitions and an increased risk near people and infrastructure, potentially in areas in which ignitions are harder to access or detect.

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Campfire ban expands across much of B.C.’s coast starting Thursday

By Erin Haluschak
Chek News
July 13, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Most campfires will be banned across coastal British Columbia beginning later this week as the BC Wildfire Service expands fire restrictions in response to changing weather conditions. Effective at 12 p.m. July 16, Category 1, 2 and 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre. However, Category 1 campfires will still be allowed in the Campbell River Forest District, North Island Central Coast Forest District, Haida Gwaii Forest District and Sunshine Coast Forest District …The BC Wildfire Service says the expanded prohibition is intended to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect public safety as fire danger increases in many coastal regions. The restrictions apply to all areas outside municipal boundaries within the Coastal Fire Centre, as well as provincial parks, recreation sites, ecological reserves, wildlife management areas and private managed forest lands. Municipalities may have their own fire restrictions, and residents are encouraged to check with their local government before lighting any fire.

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City of Powell River Council objects to forest ministry letter

By Paul Galinski
Coast Reporter
July 10, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

City of Powell River Council has directed staff to write correspondence to the ministry of forests, objecting to correspondence from the ministry regarding Powell River Community Forest’s new forest licence. …Acting mayor Cindy Elliot said the new BCTS plan came out with additional areas for planned forestry that overlapped the community forest’s new timber licence. …The response essentially says that they are not required to do what we asked and they would rather wait until the minister makes a decision before they change what they are doing.” …Councillor Rob Southcott said the community forest indirectly compensates for the loss of a lot of revenue from a major taxpayer due to the permanent curtailment of the paper mill. …“We don’t want BC Timber Sales coming in and starting to log in the area that we believe should be included in the community forest,” said Powell River Community Forest president Greg Hemphill

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Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources completes fleet renewal with four Airbus H125 helicopters

Airbus Helicopters
July 14, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada East

SHUBENACADIE, Nova Scotia — Airbus Helicopters has delivered the final of four H125 aircraft to the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR), successfully concluding the province’s fleet renewal programme. Ordered in 2024, the new aircraft replace a previous fleet that entered service in 2016. The modernised fleet will support critical provincial missions, including wildfire response, search and rescue, aerial surveillance, and emergency and personnel transportation in remote areas. …To meet NSDNR’s specific operational needs, the helicopters feature Canadian-designed supplemental type certificates and specialised mission equipment. This includes high-visibility doors, cargo pods, longline capability, cargo mirrors, an enlarged floor window, a cable cutter, a litter kit, and an optimized utility panel.

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Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy

Wood Pellet Association announces Don Roberts – conference keynote

The Wood Pellet Association of Canada
July 14, 2026
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: Canada

The 2026 WPAC Conference is shaping up to be an exciting event, and we are pleased to welcome our keynote speaker, Don Roberts, President & CEO of Nawitka Capital Advisors Ltd. Drawing on his experience advising investors and industry leaders, Don Roberts will offer his perspective on the drivers of investment and project development in Canada’s forest sector. From competing uses of fibre and shifting sources of value to where capital is—and isn’t—flowing, Don will discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Canada’s forest-based bioeconomy. Attendees will gain insights into: How projects move from concept to construction; Canada’s competitive position relative to Europe and Asia; The role of policy, capital and market signals in shaping investment decisions; and What is needed to strengthen Canada’s forest-based bioeconomy.

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As the world burns, the powerful deny and delay

By David Suzuki
Pique News Magazine
July 11, 2026
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: Canada, Canada West

David Suzuki

We could be happier, healthier and more economically secure—if we were to act on the knowledge that many of our problems are related. …But we’re not only up against a “polycrisis,” we’re also facing varying degrees of denial. At its most blatant, the US president has labelled the clear and overwhelming scientific and observable evidence for human-caused climate disruption as a “hoax” and is promoting climate-altering fossil fuels over renewable energy. Denial in Canada may not be as blatant, but it’s still dangerous. Prime Minister Carney is arguing that climate policies are “too expensive for Canadians.” …It’s absurd. Record high temperatures and humidity are killing hundreds of thousands of people a year worldwide. …We’ve seen increasingly intense wildfires destroying entire towns. …But short-term profit for the sake of constantly growing the economy and gross domestic product outweighs concerns about the enormous costs of accelerating climate change. It’s suicidal.

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Health & Safety

B.C. helicopter pilot killed in Colorado wildfire crash

By Todd Coyne
CTV News
July 13, 2026
Category: Health & Safety
Region: Canada, United States

COLORADO — A pilot from Sooke on Vancouver Island was killed after the helicopter he was flying while battling wildfires in Colorado crashed into a reservoir. The aircraft reportedly went down in the Silver Jack Reservoir, shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday. The Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office says a dive team recovered the body of 56-year-old Nicholas Dale of Sooke, BC, from the submerged helicopter. The sheriff’s office says the helicopter was battling the 148-square-kilometre Gold Mountain wildfire when the crash occurred. It said the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are still investigating the incident. …The Associated Press reported that a procession of law enforcement vehicles carried Dale’s body to the city of Grand Junction, as residents turned out to express their gratitude to the fallen pilot and the thousands of firefighters still battling the blaze. …Dale was the fourth person killed in recent weeks while battling Colorado wildfires. 

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Western Vancouver Island communities push for alternate road amid wildfire threats

By Emily Fagan
CBC News
July 13, 2026
Category: Health & Safety
Region: Canada West

Twice in the last three years, communities on western Vancouver Island found themselves cut off by a wildfire that closed their lone road to the rest of the island. It has prompted rising safety concerns, and now, work by local First Nations and regional leaders to create a proposal for a second route to connect communities including Port Alberni and Tofino. Ditidaht First Nation Chief Counsellor Judi Thomas said an alternative public, paved road is vital for members of her community to access groceries, medical appointments, economic development and emergency services, and to serve as an evacuation route. “For the Ditidaht people, it’s beyond a necessity — it’s part of the need for public safety, it’s part of reconciliation, and it’s really a community resilience issue,” she said. “No community should have to wonder whether an emergency responder can reach them in time or not.” 

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Two dead in helicopter crash on B.C. coast

By Jeff Bell
Victoria Times Colonist
July 14, 2026
Category: Health & Safety
Region: Canada, Canada West

An Island-based helicopter company says two men died in a helicopter crash Tuesday morning in an area between Knight Inlet and Bute Inlet. One person survived the crash of the Hughes 500 helicopter, which went down about 6:15 a.m. while in the Loughborough Inlet area for forestry operations. West Coast Helicopters, whose main base is in Port McNeill, said in a social-media post that one of the two men who died was Riley Browne, who started his flying career with West Coast in 2021, and was “one of the pillars of the company.” Also killed was Bobby Nowak of Campbell River-based Crowhurst Forest Management Group, who the company called “a great guy.” …A Cormorant helicopter and a Kingfisher aircraft were deployed from 19 Wing Comox. Search-and-rescue crews located the helicopter and recovered three people, then transferred them to local health services, the centre said.

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Kevin Storie at Drax Smithers: Latest Wood Pellet Association of Canada Safety Hero

By Gordon Murray
The Wood Pellet Association of Canada
July 13, 2026
Category: Health & Safety
Region: Canada West

Kevin Storie

The Wood Pellet Association of Canada (WPAC) is proud to recognize Operational Supervisor Kevin Storie of Drax Smithers as our latest Safety Hero for his consistent, hands-on commitment to keeping people safe and operations running responsibly. Kevin leads by example every day, leveraging his operational experience to lead his team to safe outcomes. He is involved in continuous improvement across the site, constantly challenging the team to think critically about how to make it even safer. “Kevin’s attention to detail and willingness to consider all facts openly make him a great asset to the Smithers plant team,” says Joel Martens, Plant Manager, who nominated Kevin. WPAC remains dedicated to recognizing those whose commitment helps ensure everyone returns home safely at the end of each day. 

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Toronto ranked among worst air quality in the world as smoke, extreme heat warnings continue

CBC News
July 14, 2026
Category: Health & Safety
Region: Canada East

Environment Canada’s poor air quality warning in Toronto due to wildfire smoke could stick around until the end of the week, said a meteorologist. In a yellow-level air quality warning, the federal weather agency says smoke from forest fires in northwestern Ontario is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility. The smoke is affecting much of southern Ontario. The poor air quality began Tuesday night and may last through to Thursday, the weather agency says. The warning comes as the city remains under a yellow heat warning. Toronto ranked first in a list of the world’s most polluted cities as of Wednesday morning, according to a global ranking by IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company. “The air quality values have spiked quite high due to the particulate matter from that forest fire smoke,” said Environment Canada meteorologist Brian Owsiak.

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Forest Fires

B.C. crews fight to prevent Brunswick wildfire from moving east toward Merritt

Canadian Press in City News
July 14, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada, Canada West

Wildland firefighters in British Columbia are planning to conduct “heavy helicopter bucketing” today to prevent an out-of-control blaze near Boston Bar from moving east toward Merritt across an area inaccessible to groundcrews. The efforts to combat the Brunswick complex of wildfires come as another blaze further north in the Thompson Nicola Regional District has prompted fresh evacuation alerts for at least two properties north of Lillooet, B.C. The French Bar Creek wildfire is measured at 12 square kilometres in size, and the BC Wildfire Service says the blaze is presenting challenges to crews due to terrain, water availability and limited access to the site. …The wildfire service adds that the efforts to prevent the blaze from moving east coincide with crews assessing the need for structure protection along the Highway 8 corridor linking Merritt, B.C., to Spences Bridge.

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Fire on Anarchist Mountain east of Osoyoos, B.C., triggers evacuation alert

By Darryl Greer
Canadian Press in The Kelowna Daily Courier
July 13, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

OSOYOOS – The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has issued an evacuation alert for dozens of homes and properties that are being threatened by a fire on Anarchist Mountain east of Osoyoos, B.C. Residents on Cougar Court and the Sasquatch Trail should be ready to leave as crews battle a blaze on the mountain. The Anarchist Mountain Fire Department says that as of 4 p.m. the fire was being held, but people are being told to avoid the area “to allow emergency personnel to work safely and efficiently.” The local firefighters are battling the blaze with the help of the BC Wildfire Service and the South Okanagan Task Force, and the cause is under investigation. …Elsewhere in B.C., crews fighting out-of-control wildfires near Boston Bar, B.C., were taking advantage of favourable weather to attack the blazes directly, before fire activity was expected to pick up after tempered behaviour over the weekend.

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B.C. wildfire crews brace for uptick in fire activity as weather heats up again

The Canadian Press in CBC News
July 13, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

©BCWildfireService

Crews fighting out-of-control wildfires near Boston Bar, B.C., were taking advantage of favourable weather to attack the fires directly, before fire activity is expected to pick up after tempered behaviour over the weekend. The size of the Brunswick complex of wildfires, consisting of the Brunswick Creek and Ainslie Creek wildfires, has changed little since last week with a combined size of more than 188 square kilometres after a weekend of rain and cooler weather. The B.C. Wildfire Service said in an overnight update that crews were also working to protect structures near Boothroyd while establishing fire lines on the southwest flank of the Ainslie Creek wildfire. …An evacuation alert covering 61 properties near Merritt remains in effect, issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, while the Nooaitch Indian Band had also told residents of its main reserve to get ready to leave on short notice last week.

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Wildfires prompt multiple evacuations in northwestern Ontario amid extreme heat

By Sarah Law
CBC News
July 14, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada East

Evacuation orders have been issued for multiple communities in northwestern Ontario due to threats from nearby wildfires, as the region contends with heat warnings and smoky skies. Residents of Armstrong and Whitesand First Nation were ordered to evacuate late Monday night, Ontario Provincial Police North West Region said in a Facebook post shortly before 10:30 p.m. ET. Just after 12:15 a.m. ET Tuesday, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation and communities were also ordered to evacuate, and Collins First Nation and Cushing Lake were added to the list at 5:30 a.m. ET. …There were 128 confirmed wildfires in the northwest as of Monday night, with smoke from active fires in Canada and the United States visible in many parts of the region, according to Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services. …Air quality alerts are in effect [for multiple areas] and highway 11 and 599 have closures. …A multi-day heat event is expected to continue Tuesday in much of the northwest, including Thunder Bay. 

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Residents in parts of northern Ontario ordered out by growing forest fires

Canadian Press in Global News
July 13, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada East

Residents of a handful of communities in northwestern Ontario have been ordered to flee their homes due to nearby forest fires. The Ontario Provincial Police force says on social media that evacuation orders are in place for Armstrong and Cushing Lake, as well as Collins First Nation, Whitesand First Nation and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation. An alert from Emergency Management Ontario says residents should leave the area and head south to Thunder Bay. Meanwhile, the OPP says those in Ignace, Crystal Lake and the Highway 633 area should prepare for possible evacuations. Photos and videos on social media appear to show large grey and black plumes of smoke and towering flames from wildfires. Environment Canada has much of northern Ontario under a severe heat warning, with forecasters predicting highs of 36 C and the humidex making it feel as hot as 40 C.

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