A big day at Columbia Forest Products in Rutherglen as the province released its Forestry strategy there.

It supports the Indigenous, northern and rural communities that depend on the sector, while ensuring the province’s forests stay healthy for generations to come.

Nipissing MPP Fedeli on hand for the announcement told BayToday it focusses on the importance of putting more wood to work.

“This tells companies like Columbia there’s now an opportunity to think about a second shift. You can double your capacity because you will now have a more reliable supply of wood,” he says.

Jamie Lim the President and CEO, Ontario Forest Industries Association says having adequate wood supply is key.

“You can invest and set up the shiniest mill in the world and if you don’t have wood you’ve got nothing but a pretty building,” Lim says.

She says the government is sending a signal that for the first time in a long time forestry matters.

Ontario Woodlands Manger for Columbia Forest Products Dan Bowes told BayToday the strategy highlights additional wood supply and that bodes well for his business.

“We’re forecasting to grow our company and looking at opportunities at all times. If we’re able to demonstrate a successful and sustainable business here with additional wood supply it would lead us in a direction to expand,” Bowes says.

The government says the strategy will help create more good-paying jobs for Ontarians and provide greater opportunity in communities that depend on the forestry sector, and at the same time protect the forests.

(photo by Stu Campaigne Bay Today)

Filed under: columbia-forest-products, forestry, mpp-vic-fedeli, rutherglen