Cariboo Wood Innovation Training Hub

Steps are underway to create a Cariboo Wood Innovation Training Hub (CWITH) to help advance value-added wood manufacturing in the Cariboo.

The concept for a wood innovation training hub emerged from several years of discussions among leaders in forestry, education and value-added wood industries. Their common interest is to bridge the gap between traditional wood production and higher quality, value-added and sustainable opportunities. The hub will help support labour force development as well as collaborative, regional action to diversify the local forest economy.

The Cariboo region, and within it the City of Williams Lake, are uniquely positioned to capitalize on wood innovation. In place are experienced timber and log home builders, educational institutions (Thompson Rivers University, WL Campus, UBC Alex Fraser Research Forest, Cariboo Chilcotin Aboriginal Training Employment Centre (CCATEC) and First Nations communities active in pursuing value-added wood manufacturing.

People at the December 12 CWITH Open House checked out displays and discussed opportunities for manufacturing value-added wood products. The event was held at the UBC Alex Fraser Research Forest.

It’s an ideal area for a training centre on advanced wood innovation, craftsmanship, manufacturing and building.

Initial work for the training hub is supported by a  grant from Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure – Forest Impact Transition Fund  (REDIP FIT)  with project partners City of Williams Lake, the Cariboo Regional District and the UBC Alex Fraser Research Forest.

The Fraser Basin Council is providing administrative and facilitation support to move the project forward.  An RFP process was launched in spring 2024 to secure a contractor as Project Lead for a two-year period.

Stephanie Huska is now the CWITH Project Lead, with responsibility to:

  • Coordinate project planning and process design
  • Lead Indigenous engagement
  • Lead stakeholder and community engagement
  • Provide mentorship to an Indigenous project management trainee
  • Reinstitute an Advisory Committee
  • Compile research data and provide a written report

  • Develop a sustainable strategic plan and structure for CWITH

  • Launch a workshop series
  • Trial a value-added wood project/training opportunity

An open house was held in December 2024 to bring together people interested in pursuing opportunities.

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Contact

For more information or to receive program updates, contact:

Stephanie Huska

Program Lead, Cariboo Wood Innovation Training Hub