Editor:
Re: The state of forestry in British Columbia (Aug. 10 issue of the Grand Forks Gazette)
I feel compelled to respond with concern that Alex Atamanenko may be unaware of some positive developments within the B.C. forest sector.
Most B.C. residents are aware of the challenges created by the implosion of the United States housing market and how that has impacted our lumber industry.
The need to innovate and find new markets is important in keeping British Columbians employed in a vibrant forest sector.
In June, I was fortunate to attend the opening of a new state-of-the-art, cross-laminated timber manufacturing plant in the community of Okanagan Falls.
What is exciting about this new facility is that it is the first large-scale, cross-laminated timber production facility in North America.
Cross-lam construction is incredibly strong and can be used in commercial and industrial applications as a replacement for concrete.
Unlike concrete, it requires no forms to set and can be constructed to custom size specific dimensions, thus greatly reducing production time and energy costs.
It is six times lighter than concrete, making it easier and more economical to transport and also more environmentally friendly.
Mr. Atamanenko might be pleased to learn that one of the primary lumber suppliers to this new Okanagan Falls plant is Kalesnikoff Lumber,
located within Mr. Atamanenko’s Southern Interior riding.
On another positive note, recent international trade efforts with China have begun to pay off.
Lumber exports to Asia have now overtaken the amount of lumber exported to the United States.
These B.C. produced lumber exports resulted in close to an additional $800 million in sales.
This amount of lumber, as noted by B.C. Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, Hon. Pat Bell, represents the lumber output of close to 14 typical interior sawmills.
There is no question that the forest industry continues to face challenges; however, I believe it is important that we remain positive and recognize that good work created through partnerships, investments and innovation is helping to keep forest workers employed in both my riding and that of Mr. Atamanenko.
MP Dan Albas, Okanagan-Coquihalla