Western Forest Products @WFPCompany

This week, Western's President and CEO Steven Hofer and our team at the Saanich Forestry Centre welcomed Minister of Forests @rparmar_BC to our seed orchard and nursery, where he announced funding for large-scale reforestation and habitat restoration. It's work we believe in. Every year, our team produces around 15 million seeds and grows more than 4 million seedlings at this facility to support reforestation and sustainable forestry practices across the coast. Thank you to Minister of Citizens’ Services @Diana_Gibson_BC and Forest Nursery Association of BC President Christina Lavoie—also our forestry centre manager—for joining us. Shared values, important work.

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We’re partnering with best-in-class global technology providers, architects, designers and builders to create the next generation of wood products made from British Columbia Hem-Fir. On our website, we will share the science behind the process, the material learnings, the collaborators helping shape the product, and the design applications bringing Thermally Modified Hem-Fir to life. Follow the journey: westernforest.com/products/therm…

Western was pleased to host BlueLinx—a leading building products distributor in the US—and members of its leadership team at our Saanich Forestry Centre and Duke Point Sawmill. Showcasing our seed orchard and nursery, along with our advanced manufacturing capabilities, visits like this provide our valued partners with a hands-on experience of our full-cycle seed-to-market approach. Special thanks to Mike Wilson, Daniel Cash and Jim Morris for joining us at our operations and for your continued partnership that helps us supply high-quality wood products to our valued customers.

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We’re happy to support students in their paths towards long-term, fulfilling careers in forestry. Throughout the year, students join us at our operations across coastal British Columbia to gain first-hand experience from our knowledgeable teams, with over half of the students returning for their second or third term in 2026. Hayden Lockwood, for one, has joined us again for his third summer as a field planner at our forest operation near Gold River. Always going above and beyond to learn and support his teammates, Hayden exemplifies the tremendous promise that newcomers bring to the field of forestry. Justin Lauzon, Senior Operations Field Planner, shared this about working alongside Hayden: "We’re all extremely happy to have Hayden back. He always shows up early and ready for work, supporting the team in many ways. Proud to see his career take off and look forward to him returning next year as well.”

We're proud of our contributions to the construction of Pacific Sky School in San Diego, California, where nine truckloads of Alaska yellow cedar glulam were delivered with precision and care. As a California Division of the State Architect (DSA)–inspected project, this build reflects the rigorous oversight required for public school construction, along with the coordination and craftsmanship needed to meet those standards in engineered wood. Natural wood products, such as our high‑performance glulam beams and columns, deliver long‑term benefits that extend beyond architectural appeal and performance under changing weather conditions. They help create spaces that connect students to the natural environment while supporting reduced stress and improved productivity. Architect: obrARCHITECTURE inc. General Contractor: Erickson-Hall Construction Co. Rough Carpentry: Core Contracting Inc. (Photos by Core Contracting) To learn more about our mass timber products, visit our website: westernforest.com/products/mass-…

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Western's Thermally Modified Hem-Fir Pilot Program is launching June 1st. We're inviting architects, builders, designers, manufacturers, and millworkers to partner with us and help shape what comes next. Follow us as we prepare for this exciting launch.

Western is proud to support the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (@RealCedar) in their efforts to educate and train members and budding forestry professionals. Last week, we took part in the annual WRCLA Cedar School event, delivering a presentation to participants and hosting student tours at our Duke Point Sawmill and Saanich Forestry Centre. Tours and presentations like these are some of the ways Western continues to invest in the associations that support the growth of the forestry industry in B.C. and beyond, while furthering the education of those entering the industry. We want to thank all the students for their keen interest in our work and facilities, as well as our talented Duke Point and Saanich team members for your warm welcome and insightful overviews of our operations.

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We’re seeking experienced forestry professionals to join our team, with opportunities at our mills and in the field, as well as in accounting and planning. Roles are open in communities across Vancouver Island—including Campbell River, Port McNeill, Chemainus, Nanaimo and Woss—as well as at our headquarters in Vancouver. To explore career opportunities at our British Columbia operations and apply, visit our website: westernforest.com/careers/ #bcjobs

Last week, we were pleased to take part in @bcfnfc’s annual conference focused on collaboration and shared priorities in forestry. Western returned as a sponsor, with Joanna Mullard, Director, Indigenous Partnerships, and Kindry Mercer, Indigenous Engagement Manager, representing our team and listening to First Nations leadership on approaches to strengthening partnerships, stewardship and long-term opportunities. To learn more about how Western is working to build strong Indigenous partnerships, visit the Indigenous Peoples section of our website: westernforest.com/company/indige…

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Extensive progress has been made in the construction of our second continuous dry kiln at our Value-Added Division in Chemainus. All concrete pours have now been completed and the roof and wall panels installed, with electrical, fire protection and gas piping well underway as we continue investing in manufacturing capabilities that support consistent, high-quality lumber for our customers. With walkway installation starting soon, the project is continuing to move steadily toward commissioning and startup, further strengthening our ability to deliver value-added products efficiently and consistently. We look forward to sharing more details on the kiln construction as we approach completion this summer.

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As part of our commitment to designing and producing beautiful wood products that are used around the world, Don McGregor (Vice President, Sales & Wholesale Supply) and Angela DeMarni (Sales Representative) recently toured sites across New Zealand and Australia. Visiting some of our long-time customers, it was wonderful to see so much of our Clear Western Red Cedar being used in projects. During the trip, they visited the iconic Te Arai Links, with stunning villas, clubhouses, and other structures dotting the landscape of this extensive property. Special thanks to ITI, Modinex, BBS Timbers Ltd., JSC and Timbeck for hosting us during this memorable journey.

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Across Vancouver Island, our Timberlands and Health and Safety teams will be out promoting safe, responsible recreation during the busy summer recreation season. On Friday, ahead of this long weekend, drivers may see roadside tents along resource roads, where team members will be sharing tips on safe, responsible recreation and road use. This outreach during peak visitor times reflects Western's commitment to safety and supporting the communities where we work and live. For more safety tips, please see our infosheet: westernforest.com/wp-content/upl…

We recently hosted our customers from @Boise_Cascade at our operations across Vancouver Island, as a part of our Cedar Partner Training Program. From an introduction to our operations and insights into our forest stewardship practices to viewing our production processes firsthand, it provided an excellent opportunity to explore our full-cycle seed-to-market approach. As a leading provider and distributor of wood products for residential and commercial construction across North America, we’d like to thank Davis Hawn and Boise Cascade for joining us.

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Our Timberlands team has been working diligently in the field, assessing trees along roads and recreation sites to help support public safety in the outdoors. Working alongside our specialized contractors to identify and plan maintenance where needed, we're helping cultivate healthy forest areas wherever we operate. Assessing tree health, stability and surrounding conditions, we’re committed to supporting safer campsites and gathering spaces for everyone who enjoys the outdoors.

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As part of the team at Western for 30 years, we're taking time to celebrate Cheryl Murray's career in forestry. Beginning as a Silviculture/Engineering Clerk and learning the ropes of the industry, Cheryl became particularly interested in mapping–something that inspired her to take several courses and apply for a Geographic Information System (GIS) opportunity with us. Now working as a GIS Technician in Port McNeill, she's worked across various applications and new technologies that have advanced the way we monitor forest stands and collaborate between teams. Jim McDowell, Planning Manager in Port McNeill, shared the following about Cheryl: “I have worked with Cheryl for the past 20 years. She is a hardworking, dependable, go-to person who takes on any project, provides a unique perspective, gives valuable input and, most importantly, gets stuff done. Things have changed a lot over the time we have worked together, but one thing that has never changed is that I can always count on Cheryl.” Thank you to Cheryl for your keen interest in adopting the latest approaches to mapping and for taking on new challenges with skill and enthusiasm.

Delta Millworks President Robbie Davis recently visited our Saanich Forestry Centre, Duke Point Sawmill and Value-Added Division to see first-hand how we produce world-class wood products through industry-leading forestry and manufacturing practices. Delta Millworks, as a producer of specialty, high-value, and high-performance wood siding products for the building industry, shares strong alignment with our focus on quality, innovation and premium products. Robbie shared his appreciation for our fully integrated approach – from seed to market – and it was a pleasure to welcome him across several of our Vancouver Island facilities. Visits like these create valuable opportunities to exchange ideas on sustainable forestry and innovative wood manufacturing, while strengthening collaboration across the industry. Thank you to Delta Millworks and all our partners for your continued commitment to advancing sustainable building solutions across North America and beyond.

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Last Friday, we joined companies from across Vancouver Island for the Interactive Trades Expo in Campbell River, helping to inspire and connect with the next generation of youth looking to join the trades. Held at Timberline Secondary School, Western team members showcased the wide range of forestry careers to many engaged students, along with hands-on demos of some of the equipment we use in the field. Thank you to @WorkBC Centre – Campbell River, @NIC_first and the Campbell River School District 71 & 72 for hosting this year's event and for helping to build BC's trades workforce.

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Having joined us at Western 50 years ago, we're highlighting the career of Mohinder Mann to celebrate this meaningful milestone. Starting his journey with us on the sawmill green chain, he took on a range of roles over the next 25 years, including running the single arbor, double arbor, sorter feeder, trim feeder, bin sorter, end stacker and planer feeder. For the past 25 years, he's been a trusted Barker Operator who's helped to support our operations in Cowichan Bay through his steadfast commitment to consistency. Our Sawmill Supervisor, John Hieta, shared this about Mohinder's career: "Over the years, Mohinder has become someone we rely on for steady production of logs through the barker, day after day. You see it in how he strives to always keep the Quad deck full. Fifty years in, that kind of consistency stands out.” We'd like to thank Mohinder for his exceptional service, helping Western deliver the high-quality products our customers count on.

Western was happy to provide 600 Douglas fir seedlings to support the Victoria Fish and Game Protection Association’s broom eradication efforts near Malahat Highway. Grown at our seed orchard and nursery, the seedlings were planted over the weekend by their dedicated volunteers, as part of this ongoing restoration work. It is great to see the community come together on the ground to help local ecosystems flourish. A special thanks to everyone who took part.

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