BC announces $7M boost in funding for Okanagan mass-timber facility

The province of BC has made a multi-million dollar investment in a mass-timber production facility in the South Okanagan.

On Wednesday, the province announced that Mercer Mass Timber (MMT) will be receiving as much as $7 million to protect “sustainable forestry jobs” at the facility in OKanagan Falls.

The funding is being provided through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF).

MMT acquired the Okanagan Falls facility a year ago and the money will be used to purchase new manufacturing equipment as well as the completion of factory upgrades, a news release notes.

The upgrades will improve production and allow for a wider variety of mass-timber products to be made.

“We’re proud that Mercer Mass Timber’s headquarters are located right here in B.C., and that their manufacturing footprint will be significantly expanded in the Okanagan,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation.

As a result of the funding, MMT says it is rehiring employees that were laid off when the previous business shut down.

This is expected to support around 28 jobs in the Okanagan Falls area.

According to the release, MMT will produce cross-laminated timber in the Okanagan, enhance its production of glulam (glued laminated timber) by 25%, and improve the quality of the finished products, which are typically used for multi-tenant buildings.

BC’s Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation says one in five wood producers in the province has applied to the BCMJF program.

“We're happy to have the opportunity to support businesses like Mercer Mass Timber in their drive to expand local mass timber operations and create new jobs in the Okanagan: this is great news,” said Roly Russell, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen.

“This investment helps get more value out of every tree harvested, while strengthening our local economy and reinforcing the Okanagan’s resilience and potential.”