Community Articles
General News · 9th August 2019
Carrie Saxifrage -CCFC
While land-based endeavors give rise to many opinions, ours is underpinned by two ideas upon which we all agree: 1) to use as many community forest trees as possible on the island, and 2) that any tree leaving the island should have first provided some local value-added employment.
There is so much to be learned along the way toward supporting a sound local manufacturing economy and I’d like to thank the participants in our value added tour for recognizing the importance of this next level of engagement at our value added wood working tour on August 7.
In the Green Mountain Cutblock 1, Matt Cuscianna described how CF operations do their best to accommodate local wood use. At the Klahoose Mill, Councillor Billy Barnes shared stories, information and good humour. At Aaron’s mill, guests learned about the challenges and successes of milling on Cortes. Participants were impressed by the house Mark Lombard constructed at Siskin Lane – the chip slip technique, the energy efficiency, the low building cost and the home’s honest beauty. On South Point Road, Mark Braaten introduced people to hemp block construction and beautiful carved beams from the community forest.
At Saltwater Farm, over Su Jon’s fabulous appetizers and Carrie Saxifrage’s forest cocktail, Nick Gagnon described what the people with the skills to build a manufacturing economy need to feel confident enough to invest themselves in the opportunity: reliable wood supply, business planning support and start-up loans. Adam McKenty of CIBATA spoke to the importance of forest manufacturing in the island’s economy at a time when we have met or exceeded our tourism capacity. I spoke about building the local economy through buying local wood, support of light industry zoning, giving business advice and provide small scale start up funds. Sandra Wood spoke of provincial money available for rural economic development.
Many thanks to those who helped make it happen: Maureen Williams, Linda Rose-Velich, Su Jon, Deborah Anderson Koch, Amy Robertson, the CCFC Board and, last but not least, the Klahoose First Nation for their strength and generosity in creating the opportunities which we are now trying to capture.
I’m especially pleased that so many “next generation” community forest proponents shared their experiences and ideas.
There is so much to be learned along the way toward supporting a sound local manufacturing economy and I’d like to thank the participants in our value added tour for recognizing the importance of this next level of engagement at our value added wood working tour on August 7.
In the Green Mountain Cutblock 1, Matt Cuscianna described how CF operations do their best to accommodate local wood use. At the Klahoose Mill, Councillor Billy Barnes shared stories, information and good humour. At Aaron’s mill, guests learned about the challenges and successes of milling on Cortes. Participants were impressed by the house Mark Lombard constructed at Siskin Lane – the chip slip technique, the energy efficiency, the low building cost and the home’s honest beauty. On South Point Road, Mark Braaten introduced people to hemp block construction and beautiful carved beams from the community forest.
At Saltwater Farm, over Su Jon’s fabulous appetizers and Carrie Saxifrage’s forest cocktail, Nick Gagnon described what the people with the skills to build a manufacturing economy need to feel confident enough to invest themselves in the opportunity: reliable wood supply, business planning support and start-up loans. Adam McKenty of CIBATA spoke to the importance of forest manufacturing in the island’s economy at a time when we have met or exceeded our tourism capacity. I spoke about building the local economy through buying local wood, support of light industry zoning, giving business advice and provide small scale start up funds. Sandra Wood spoke of provincial money available for rural economic development.
Many thanks to those who helped make it happen: Maureen Williams, Linda Rose-Velich, Su Jon, Deborah Anderson Koch, Amy Robertson, the CCFC Board and, last but not least, the Klahoose First Nation for their strength and generosity in creating the opportunities which we are now trying to capture.
I’m especially pleased that so many “next generation” community forest proponents shared their experiences and ideas.
Mark Lombard built this beautiful net zero emissions house on Sisken Lane
Matt Cuscianna, CCFC director and CFGP forest tech, explains how operations prioritize local wood users
Why we wrapped up at Saltwater Farm: living with wood art
Carrie Saxifrage advocates for practical ways in which we can support the island economy
Congrats on making this happen!
Comment by Karen Mahon on 11th August 2019
Thanks to Carrie and everyone involved for creating this event. I heard from a number of people how inspiring and informative it was. While I couldn't go this time I hope it happens again, so myself and others can attend and learn.
Thanks to Carrie and everyone involved for creating this event. I heard from a number of people how inspiring and informative it was. While I couldn't go this time I hope it happens again, so myself and others can attend and learn.