A funding application proposal for a Forest Cluster Development Strategy and Action Plan will be floated to Prince George City Council at tomorrow’s (Monday) meeting.
If approved, funds would go towards the hiring of a consultant who would work with local government to create the action plan.
The plan will guide the City’s forest cluster initiatives moving forward, and will identify new opportunities for local forestry firms and forestry-related businesses.
According to the report to Council, the application will request a $42,500 grant from the Province of British Columbia’s Sector Labour Market Partnerships program.
“Building on existing research, staff will work with a consultant to analyze local forestry, wood product and bio-product sectors, including business trends and forecasts for the next 5 years,” said the report.
“The research will provide an understanding of existing and new business in order to identify new and innovative opportunities for diversifying the local forestry industry. The research will also include a forestry sector skills gap analysis which will inform new training opportunities,” it adds.
This project will involve research amongst forest and forest-related companies, with a priority focus on those firms that serve or supply the core wood and bio-product producers.
Using the information collected, a five-year forest cluster development strategy and action plan will be developed.
The strategy will include a holistic approach with initiatives to diversify the workforce, product offerings, and services within the forest sector as well as externally to service and supply new sectors, pivot business models, and retain employees by expanding customer bases.
Pending approval, the study will be completed by the end of 2021.