The Province of British Columbia is backing the development of a new mass-timber production facility by Kalesnikoff Lumber in Castlegar, aiming to create 90 sustainable forestry jobs and position B.C. as a leader in the mass-timber and housing-construction sectors. According to Kalesnikoff Lumber, total investments in the new facility will be $34 million.
Kalesnikoff Lumber began producing CLT in 2020. Chris Kalesnikoff, Chief Operating Officer, told Lesprom Network that CLT facility in Canada will elevate the company's production capabilities and reduce exposure to volatility in the U.S. lumber market.
“We're increasing the supply of housing needed throughout B.C. by partnering with sustainable mass-timber producers like Kalesnikoff,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, we are growing our made-in-B.C. advanced wood products while creating stronger local economies and sustainable jobs.”
The Government of B.C. is contributing up to $6.7 million through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) to help Kalesnikoff Mass Timber Inc. expand its operations. This investment will establish a new prefabricated mass-timber and cross-laminated timber modularized building facility and purchase new machinery to enhance production for rapid housing construction. The company's new product line will support prefabricated housing and multi-story family structures using mass timber, expanding from their current focus on commercial building projects.
The BCMJF supports high-value industrial and manufacturing capital projects across all sectors, creating and protecting well-paying jobs. The BCMJF has committed up to 91.3 million Euro to B.C.’s manufacturing sector, supporting 81 organizations. This includes 51 forest sector organizations receiving up to 70 million Euro, which has supported more than 500 million Euro in private-sector capital investment. Funds committed through the BCMJF will help create over 1,100 jobs and protect nearly 2,000 existing manufacturing jobs across B.C., with more than 2,500 of these in the forest sector.
“We appreciate this investment in 90 new jobs, empowering us to expand our mass-timber offerings locally and across North America,” said Chris Kalesnikoff, chief operating officer of Kalesnikoff Mass Timber Inc. “Mass-timber intersects jobs, technology, resources, and sustainability, helping our customers address urgent housing demands.”
Kalesnikoff’s expansion aligns with the Province’s BC Builds commitment to reduce construction costs, accelerate timelines, and deliver affordable homes to residents. Mass timber, a clean and sustainable building material, utilizes B.C.’s renewable forestry products and offers a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional materials like steel and concrete. The Province’s Mass Timber Action Plan has increased global demand for these products and facilitated expansions for companies like Kalesnikoff.
The BCMJF is part of a suite of programs supporting sustainability in B.C.’s forestry sector. In January 2023, the Ministry of Forests introduced a program to ensure a dedicated fibre supply for small and medium-sized manufacturers, increasing the flow of fibre and expanding local production of high-value wood products. A robust made-in-B.C. wood-manufacturing industry diversifies the forestry sector, creating new jobs, protecting existing ones, and buffering against global market challenges.
"Clean and Competitive: A Blueprint for B.C.’s Industrial Future" outlines the Province’s strategy to drive investment, create jobs, and seize opportunities in clean-energy and sustainable industries. Supporting local manufacturing sectors leverages B.C.’s strengths to create good jobs, improve quality of life, and strengthen the economy.
“Kalesnikoff has been a fixture of the West Kootenays for over 80 years and continues to lead in adopting made-in-B.C. wood manufacturing, maximizing the value from B.C.’s forests,” said Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay West.
