BC Timber Sales Review: taking action to evolve BCTS

Last updated on February 5, 2025

banner imageThe B.C. government has launched a review of BC Timber Sales (BCTS) to ensure British Columbia’s forestry sector is continually evolving to overcome challenges and create a guideline for a stronger, more resilient future.

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Reason for a review

Periodic reviews are a valuable tool to ensure BCTS is evolving in an ever-changing marketplace while meeting its mandate commitments. Past reviews in 2006 and 2015 provided recommendations which resulted in substantial change that improved performance and revenue potential. 

The Province has taken an initial step to double the amount of dedicated BCTS volume from 10% to 20% for value-added manufacturers within the Value-Added Manufacturing Program. To further support manufacturers we will change the eligibility criteria to enable groups of value-added manufacturers to bid together within this program. This step in the transition process will increase productivity while enhancing revenue and job growth.

This review is a positive step toward strengthening operations and ensuring BCTS continues to meet the evolving needs of the forest industry. An evolved BCTS will lay the groundwork for a forestry sector that focuses on the needs of communities, workers and First Nations.

BCTS Review goals

The launch of the review recognizes the significant pressure the forest sector is under. This pressure has stemmed from declining allowable annual cuts, difficulty accessing fibre, global economic conditions and heightened environmental and trade-protection efforts. Building on the ongoing work of BCTS, as well as recent forestry-sector engagement, the review will provide recommendations about how BCTS can:

  • Create forestry-sector growth, competition and diversification
  • Provide predictable and reliable market access to fibre
  • Diversify access to fibre for the manufacturing sector, including value-added facilities
  • Strengthen partnerships with First Nations and communities
  • Provide more jobs for contractors, workers and communities
  • Lead in innovative, sustainable forest management and silviculture practices
  • Generate profit for the Province and its partners

An expert task force

The review will be led by the Province with support from the newly formed expert task force consisting of George Abbott, Lenny Joe and Brian Frenkel. The Provincial Forestry Forum will be a key point of engagement during the review process. This forum brings together all interests in the forestry sector, including contractors, value-added manufacturers, industry and labour. Work on this review began January 2025 and actions are planned within six months of the launch.

Frequently asked questions

How does government plan to double value-add manufacturers’ tenure from 10-20%?

For now, the commitment is simply to double the proportion of BCTS’ allocation of volume from 10% to 20%, so the increased volume comes out of volume already held by BCTS, and will not affect other tenure holders.

How long until the doubled allotment for value-added manufacturers begins?

Value-added manufacturers will begin to see increased sales in this category starting in April 2025.

Will BCTS continue to operate during the review?

Yes. BCTS is a vital part of the forest industry and will continue fully operating while the review is underway.

 

Contact information

Questions, comments, ideas and perspectives about this review can be sent to: