Western Woodlot Services Cooperative helps woodlot owners manage forests, streamline sales and develop new markets
March 11, 2019 – Bridgewater, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Discovering new ways to grow the forestry industry is vital for creating jobs in rural areas, diversifying the economy with more value-added products, and raising the industry's profile in Nova Scotia. Dedicated to helping private woodlot owners sustainably manage their lands while promoting the diversity and health of high quality trees, Western Woodlot Services Cooperative Ltd. (WWSC) is modernizing forestry management in western Nova Scotia.
With help from the Government of Canada, the WWSC will improve Nova Scotia's competitiveness in the forestry industry by implementing a new woodlot inventory management system to identify clustered forest areas for harvest. The WWSC will also explore emerging business opportunities and uses for low-quality wood for heat conversion projects and develop a customized tracking program to help streamline the sale, documentation and the shipment of wood. This project will help diversify forest-based businesses in the province, attract skilled forestry professionals, and position Nova Scotia as a leader in ecologically-based, multi-value forest management.
Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margarets, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced federal support for this project.
This non-repayable contribution builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which supports strategic investments in initiatives that build on the region's competitive advantages, such as its natural resources, growing economy and skilled workforce.
"New technology in resource-based industries pushes Canadian businesses to adapt, innovate and expand, stimulating economic growth and creating good jobs for the middle class. Investments like the one being announced today help provide Canadians with the tools they need to succeed in tomorrow's global economy."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
"These are exciting times in Atlantic Canada, with innovative companies willing to modernize and push the boundaries driving rural growth. Projects like this one are staples for developing the Atlantic economy to create good middle-class jobs that will stimulate prosperity in the region."
- The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margarets
"Nova Scotia is investing in opportunities for owners of small private woodlots to grow or rejuvenate their businesses and become more competitive. Our forests support rural jobs and our way of life and will continue to be a sustainable part of our economy and provide benefits to Nova Scotians for generations to come.
- The Honourable Iain Rankin, Minister of Lands and Forestry
"We are extremely grateful for the support provided by ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund, as well as the continued support from the Department of Lands and Forestry. By working together, we can better implement ecologically-based, sustainable forest management that will help woodlot owners realize their management goals. To help make this happen, we need to find new innovative uses and markets for various wood products, particularly low-grade wood, which will help forest improvement work become more economically feasible and allow us to help local businesses revitalize our rural communities."
- Patricia Amero, General Manager & Registered Professional Forester, Western Woodlot Services Cooperative Ltd.
Quick facts
-
The Government of Canada invested $28,875 in this project through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund. The Province of Nova Scotia, through the Department of Lands and Forestry, is also supporting this project.
-
The WWSC expects do develop approximately 20-25 woodlot management plans, consisting of digital geographical information systems (GIS) mapping of woodlot inventories, as a result of this project.
-
The WWSC expects do develop approximately 20-25 woodlot management plans, consisting of digital geographical information systems (GIS) mapping of woodlot inventories, as a result of this project.
-
The Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in Atlantic Canadian communities. Eligible recipients include non-commercial/not-for-profit organizations such as local development associations, municipalities and their agencies, business or technology institutes, industry/sector associations, economic development associations, local co-operatives, universities and educational institutions.
-
The ICF continues to build on the objectives of the Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.
