The federal government is investing nearly $590,000 in three northern B.C. Indigenous forestry projects.
Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi says $475,000 will support the study of a bioheat project for the Tsay Keh Dene Nation.
The Witset First Nation will get nearly $65,000 for equipment upgrades, training, and new developments at the Kyahwood Forest Products facility.
“Witset (formerly Moricetown) was assisted with funding from the Indigenous Forestry Initiative. This allowed Kyahwood Forest Products to add a dunnage and lath machine to the facility,” said Kyahwood Manager Stan Morris Jr. in a news release. “This will enable Kyahwood to produce its own product for the finger-joint lumber we produce, rather than getting it elsewhere. In turn, this saves the company approximately $16,000 to $20,000 per year plus adding four permanent jobs, and any excess dunnage/lath produced can be sold on the open market, further increasing our revenue.”
Natural Resources Canada is putting $50,000 toward a biomass heating feasibility study in Fort Babine.
Sohi made the announcement at the B.C. Natural Resources Forum in Prince George Wednesday.
