A proposed Haida Gwaii manufacturing initiative is seeking approximately $550,000 from the Athlii Gwaii Revitalization Fund to expand local value-added wood production and develop small-footprint housing products using Haida Gwaii timber.
The project is being developed through a partnership involving Taan Forest, North Pacific Timber Corp. and Cedar & Stave Building Systems. According to the request included in Masset council’s Sept. 9 agenda package, the initiative is intended to establish local manufacturing capacity that would create products from timber harvested on Haida Gwaii rather than relying only on raw material leaving the islands.
The proponents say the project would begin with timber and dimensional lumber production, with a longer-term goal of expanding into finishing, assembly and full-scale construction of small-footprint housing products.
The Stage 2 Athlii Gwaii application is scheduled for submission Sept. 15. Masset council is being asked to provide a letter of support for the proposal.
The requested funding would be used for manufacturing equipment, tools and machinery, safety equipment and systems, site preparation and supporting infrastructure, as well as workforce training and equipment certification.
The proposal says the project could create skilled jobs in manufacturing and wood processing while providing hands-on training and certification opportunities for local workers. It also identifies increased access to locally produced building materials as a potential benefit.
Housing is another part of the proposal. The proponents say the initiative could strengthen local housing and construction capacity by producing building materials and small-footprint housing products on Haida Gwaii.
The project also identifies economic diversification as a goal. According to the material provided to council, increasing local manufacturing could allow more value from timber harvested on Haida Gwaii to remain within local communities.
North Pacific Timber business manager Danny Robertson, who submitted the request for support, described the project as an effort to establish “a foundation for the growth of a value-added forest economy on Haida Gwaii.”
The application package also states that the project is intended to support local employment, increase the supply of building materials, strengthen housing and construction capacity and keep more forestry revenue circulating within island communities.
Masset council is scheduled to consider the request for a letter of support at its Sept. 9 meeting.