The forestry sector in the south peace region is multi-faceted with room for much growth. The main tree species found in the Dawson Creek area are white spruce, lodgepole pine, trembling aspen, balsam poplar, black spruce and subalpine fir. The industry provides many local jobs in three areas: logging, milling, and manufacturing.
Logging
Both company and private contract loggers harvest the local forest resources. The active logging season typically runs from July through March. There are opportunities available in:
- small diameter pine harvesting and processing
- remanufactured products
- engineered wood products
- panelboards
- furniture
- housing products
Manufacturing
The Lousiana-Pacific Canada (LP) manufacturing plant is located on the northwest edge of the city. LP has been producing Oriented Strand Board since 1987, and converted their plant into a SmartSide Lap Siding production plant in 2019.
Sawmills
There are two major sawmills operating in the region: West Fraser and Canfor. Both are located in Chetwynd, BC. The West Fraser mill also includes a bio energy facility, and the Canfor mill has a pellet plant as part of the operation. In early 2022, Peak Renewables Ltd. Acquired the Chetwynd Pulp Mill formerly operated by Paper Excellence, which had not operated since 2015. The company is working with local First Nations in developing new opportunities at the site. There are also a number of independent custom sawmill operators in the area.
Local contact
Ministry of Forests
Dawson Creek, BC
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