The @trailblazers' practice facility is a vibrant example of using engineered wood products to bring a space to life. Western was excited to supply curved Douglas-fir glulams that anchor the transition into the interior, pairing familiar materials with unconventional form. The material adds a subtle nod to court flooring, while the form references the Blazers’ logo displayed throughout the facility, drawing your eye to the Larry O-Brien Championship Trophy proudly displayed. To learn more about our Mass Timber manufacturing and integrated support systems, contact your Western rep today or visit our website: westernforest.com/products/m… (Photography by Pete Eckert Photography)

We were happy to return this year for @scoutscanada's Beaveree 2026, which hosted Scouts from around the area for games, campfire songs, and sharing ways to craft a better world. Thank you to Annette Van Niejenhuis (Tree Improvement Forester) and Abbi Vernier (Orchard Technician) from our Saanich Forestry Centre for sharing your knowledge, exploring forest facts and handing out seedlings. Today's curious kids are tomorrow's forest stewards, and we're glad to help spark that early.

What happens when coastal BC Hem-Fir meets thermal modification technology? Western is exploring that question through our Thermally Modified Hem-Fir initiative, a new product development program using heat and steam to enhance the natural properties of wood without added chemical preservatives. The goal is to create a design-forward wood product with improved dimensional stability, enhanced durability, and the warmth, grain, and character architects and designers look for in natural materials. Learn more about the science behind Western’s Thermally Modified Hem-Fir: westernforest.com/products/t…

A Westerner since 2013, Tyler Merriman is known throughout our Duke Point Sawmill for his teamwork and attention to detail at all times, helping ensure orders for our valued customers are filled to industry-leading standards. Along with his father and uncle, Tyler credits the legacy of coworkers like Jim Brown, Terry Wilson, John Little, Bill Merriman and Nolan Paquette for the continued success of our Duke Point team. We would like to thank Tyler for not only his lasting career with us at Western and his love for forestry, but also his admirable acknowledgement of the team members who helped him along the way.

With the dry summer months approaching and wildfire risk increasing, fire preparedness is a key focus in the daily work of our timberlands team. Fire readiness is built year-round, with all our timberlands team members — from hooktenders and cable yarder operators to field planners and foresters — completing annual training that includes emergency response and fire suppression drills. This comprehensive, routine training strengthens their proficiency with specialized equipment, like fire tools and tankers, while preparing them to conduct a fire watch for real-time observation and early detection. As a company committed to sustainable forest management, Western is proud to play an active role in fire prevention and response in the areas where we operate.

Today, we’re celebrating BC Trails Day and recognizing the importance of access to the outdoors, responsible recreation and environmental stewardship. At Western, that commitment shows up in many ways. We support road rehabilitation that improves safe access to trail systems and summits, and our foresters go beyond their day-to-day work to steward the land and support local initiatives year-round.

This week’s @BC_IROC brought together Indigenous leaders and communities from across BC, creating space for connection, dialogue and relationship-building. For Western, it’s an important part of our ongoing commitment to working closely and respectfully with Indigenous communities where we operate. With over 40 Nations represented, the event created valuable opportunities to engage and exchange ideas across the conference and at the trade show, where Kindry Mercer and Seanna McConnell connected with others. Thank you to everyone who took the time to engage and to Dallas Smith, Na̲nwak̲olas Council President and Chairman, and the organizing committee for their collaborative and thoughtful approach to the event. More on our partnerships with Indigenous communities: westernforest.com/company/in… (Conference photos by HA Photography)

This week, Western's President and CEO Steven Hofer and our team at the Saanich Forestry Centre welcomed Minister of Forests @rparmar_BC to our seed orchard and nursery, where he announced funding for large-scale reforestation and habitat restoration. It's work we believe in. Every year, our team produces around 15 million seeds and grows more than 4 million seedlings at this facility to support reforestation and sustainable forestry practices across the coast. Thank you to Minister of Citizens’ Services @Diana_Gibson_BC and Forest Nursery Association of BC President Christina Lavoie—also our forestry centre manager—for joining us. Shared values, important work.

We’re partnering with best-in-class global technology providers, architects, designers and builders to create the next generation of wood products made from British Columbia Hem-Fir. On our website, we will share the science behind the process, the material learnings, the collaborators helping shape the product, and the design applications bringing Thermally Modified Hem-Fir to life. Follow the journey: westernforest.com/products/t…

Western was pleased to host BlueLinx—a leading building products distributor in the US—and members of its leadership team at our Saanich Forestry Centre and Duke Point Sawmill. Showcasing our seed orchard and nursery, along with our advanced manufacturing capabilities, visits like this provide our valued partners with a hands-on experience of our full-cycle seed-to-market approach. Special thanks to Mike Wilson, Daniel Cash and Jim Morris for joining us at our operations and for your continued partnership that helps us supply high-quality wood products to our valued customers.

We’re happy to support students in their paths towards long-term, fulfilling careers in forestry. Throughout the year, students join us at our operations across coastal British Columbia to gain first-hand experience from our knowledgeable teams, with over half of the students returning for their second or third term in 2026. Hayden Lockwood, for one, has joined us again for his third summer as a field planner at our forest operation near Gold River. Always going above and beyond to learn and support his teammates, Hayden exemplifies the tremendous promise that newcomers bring to the field of forestry. Justin Lauzon, Senior Operations Field Planner, shared this about working alongside Hayden: "We’re all extremely happy to have Hayden back. He always shows up early and ready for work, supporting the team in many ways. Proud to see his career take off and look forward to him returning next year as well.”

We're proud of our contributions to the construction of Pacific Sky School in San Diego, California, where nine truckloads of Alaska yellow cedar glulam were delivered with precision and care. As a California Division of the State Architect (DSA)–inspected project, this build reflects the rigorous oversight required for public school construction, along with the coordination and craftsmanship needed to meet those standards in engineered wood. Natural wood products, such as our high‑performance glulam beams and columns, deliver long‑term benefits that extend beyond architectural appeal and performance under changing weather conditions. They help create spaces that connect students to the natural environment while supporting reduced stress and improved productivity. Architect: obrARCHITECTURE inc. General Contractor: Erickson-Hall Construction Co. Rough Carpentry: Core Contracting Inc. (Photos by Core Contracting) To learn more about our mass timber products, visit our website: westernforest.com/products/m…

Western's Thermally Modified Hem-Fir Pilot Program is launching June 1st. We're inviting architects, builders, designers, manufacturers, and millworkers to partner with us and help shape what comes next. Follow us as we prepare for this exciting launch.

Western is proud to support the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (@RealCedar) in their efforts to educate and train members and budding forestry professionals. Last week, we took part in the annual WRCLA Cedar School event, delivering a presentation to participants and hosting student tours at our Duke Point Sawmill and Saanich Forestry Centre. Tours and presentations like these are some of the ways Western continues to invest in the associations that support the growth of the forestry industry in B.C. and beyond, while furthering the education of those entering the industry. We want to thank all the students for their keen interest in our work and facilities, as well as our talented Duke Point and Saanich team members for your warm welcome and insightful overviews of our operations.

We’re seeking experienced forestry professionals to join our team, with opportunities at our mills and in the field, as well as in accounting and planning. Roles are open in communities across Vancouver Island—including Campbell River, Port McNeill, Chemainus, Nanaimo and Woss—as well as at our headquarters in Vancouver. To explore career opportunities at our British Columbia operations and apply, visit our website: westernforest.com/careers/ #bcjobs

Last week, we were pleased to take part in @bcfnfc’s annual conference focused on collaboration and shared priorities in forestry. Western returned as a sponsor, with Joanna Mullard, Director, Indigenous Partnerships, and Kindry Mercer, Indigenous Engagement Manager, representing our team and listening to First Nations leadership on approaches to strengthening partnerships, stewardship and long-term opportunities. To learn more about how Western is working to build strong Indigenous partnerships, visit the Indigenous Peoples section of our website: westernforest.com/company/in…

Extensive progress has been made in the construction of our second continuous dry kiln at our Value-Added Division in Chemainus. All concrete pours have now been completed and the roof and wall panels installed, with electrical, fire protection and gas piping well underway as we continue investing in manufacturing capabilities that support consistent, high-quality lumber for our customers. With walkway installation starting soon, the project is continuing to move steadily toward commissioning and startup, further strengthening our ability to deliver value-added products efficiently and consistently. We look forward to sharing more details on the kiln construction as we approach completion this summer.

As part of our commitment to designing and producing beautiful wood products that are used around the world, Don McGregor (Vice President, Sales & Wholesale Supply) and Angela DeMarni (Sales Representative) recently toured sites across New Zealand and Australia. Visiting some of our long-time customers, it was wonderful to see so much of our Clear Western Red Cedar being used in projects. During the trip, they visited the iconic Te Arai Links, with stunning villas, clubhouses, and other structures dotting the landscape of this extensive property. Special thanks to ITI, Modinex, BBS Timbers Ltd., JSC and Timbeck for hosting us during this memorable journey.

Across Vancouver Island, our Timberlands and Health and Safety teams will be out promoting safe, responsible recreation during the busy summer recreation season. On Friday, ahead of this long weekend, drivers may see roadside tents along resource roads, where team members will be sharing tips on safe, responsible recreation and road use. This outreach during peak visitor times reflects Western's commitment to safety and supporting the communities where we work and live. For more safety tips, please see our infosheet: westernforest.com/wp-content…