As National Forest Products Week comes to a close in the U.S., we're celebrating the people and partnerships behind our products. Bringing products to market takes more than a single team. It takes coordination across every stage of the journey, from production at our mills through distribution by our many partners. Every team member and partner plays an important role in connecting our natural wood products with the customers who bring projects to life, from everyday applications to ambitious builds. To everyone who plays a part in that journey, thank you.

When Terry Hahn joined Western in the 80s, he planned to spend only a couple of years logging before pursuing a career in computer programming. Decades later, he’s celebrating 45 years with our team, a career shaped by challenging work, strong camaraderie and opportunities that led him to his current role as Grader Operator in Port McNeill. Growing up on northern Vancouver Island, forestry was always part of Terry’s life. His grandfather operated a road grader in Zeballos, and his father worked in nearly every role in the industry except grading. Terry credits the support and mentorship he received along the way for helping him build a long and rewarding career with Western. Englewood Operations Manager Rob Shambrook was particularly instrumental in that journey. Outside of work, Terry is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys riding his motorcycle, exploring new places and, in years past, skydiving throughout B.C. and California. One of his more memorable jumps saw him parachute into the Port McNeill Fall Fair, with permission, of course. He also enjoys roasting his own coffee at home and spending time with his wife, Janice. Congratulations, Terry, on 45 years (and counting) with Western. Thank you for your dedication, experience and the positive impact you continue to make on the team.

We’re taking a look back at the Cowichan Exhibition Logger Sports, where summer wrapped up with flying chips and forestry skills on full display. Western’s Ally Briscoe, Brad Constantine, Nicola Leonard and Nick Russell got in on the action, while Marie-Eve Leclerc helped keep the event moving as a volunteer. From axes flying to competitors racing up poles, the competition put skill, strength and a bit of nerve to the test, carrying on a logger sports tradition with deep roots on Vancouver Island. The event marked the close of the local logger sports season, with competitors now looking ahead to what’s next. Thanks to the Cowichan Exhibition team for keeping the tradition going and giving our crew a chance to be part of it. @NorthCowichan (Photos by Heather Warren)

Western operates on the traditional lands of more than 50 First Nations on the coast of British Columbia. On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we recognize our responsibility to listen, learn, and advance reconciliation through meaningful action and lasting relationships. This year, our Campbell River team moved into the new We Wai Kai Nation administrative building. It reflects We Wai Kai culture and identity through local materials, sustainable design, and Indigenous art, including multi-story exterior panels designed by Jessica Chickite, a Lekwiltok artist from the We Wai Kai Nation. Sharing this space creates more opportunities to connect, collaborate and strengthen our relationship. Reconciliation is ongoing work, and we are grateful for the relationships that continue to guide us on that journey. #NDTR #ForestStewardship #WeWaiKai

From learning about the salmon life cycle to releasing fry into a nearby creek, students from Seaview Elementary in Port Alice got a hands-on look at salmon and their habitat. The day began at our Jeune Landing operations, where our local timberlands team and @FishOceansCAN introduced Grade 4, 5 and 6 students to the salmon life cycle and different salmon species. The group then headed outdoors to a nearby creek, where the students released coho and chum fry into the water. A big thank you to Western team members Carolina Silva, Taylor Goodwin, Riley Bere and Vince Devlin, along with Rachel Costall from DFO, for sharing your knowledge and helping connect classroom learning with the natural environment right here in our community.

Congratulations to Brett Butterworth, Division Controller at Saltair Sawmill, on earning his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. Since joining Western in 2018 as an assistant accountant, Brett has built his career across our Ladysmith, Cowichan Bay and Saltair operations. Through hard work, dedication and a commitment to continuous learning, he has achieved this important professional milestone while growing into a leadership role within the company. Brett credits much of his success to the support of his colleagues and mentors, with special thanks to Rob Bugden and Jay Harvey for their guidance and encouragement throughout the process. Reflecting on his experience, Brett shared: "I've been given a ton of opportunities at Western to gain the experience necessary to become a CPA. We also have an amazing CPA policy that rivals that of publicly practicing accountants and beats out most other industries. Plus, my peers at work were there every step of the way with support and advice; special thanks to each of them." @cpa_bc

We're celebrating the incredible 50-year career of Ken Bradshaw, who joined us in 1976, following in his father's footsteps. Now part of our dryland sort team in Port Alice, Ken built his career in the maintenance department, progressing from an apprentice to journeyman heavy-duty mechanic, welder and shop chargehand before becoming a stacker operator and sort chargehand. Over the years, Ken has developed extensive expertise in both repair and operations and is highly knowledgeable about nearly every piece of equipment at the dryland sort. He continues to demonstrate skill, reliability and pride in his work, consistently setting a high standard for our team. A true safety leader, Ken is known for his exceptional work ethic and ability to solve problems. His deep understanding of the dryland sort and keen awareness of day-to-day operations help keep work moving safely and efficiently. Congratulations to Ken on 50 years of service and five decades of safe work. His unwavering commitment to safety, his team and the job at hand has made a lasting impact on those around him.

Congratulations to Alexandra and Isabelle on officially receiving their Registered Professional Forester (RPF) designation during last week's Annual @ABCFP Conference. As valued members of the talented team of forest professionals and biologists at Western and our Limited Partnership, Tsawak-qin Forestry, they help guide planning and practices across British Columbia’s coastal forests. Their achievements reflect both their commitment to professional excellence and the strength of mentorship within our organizations. Thank you to Carolina Silva (Western) for mentoring Isabelle, and Brian Marcus (Tsawak-qin Forestry) for mentoring Alexandra. We’re proud to support this next generation of forest leaders.

This past weekend, the Honourable @Randene4PRSC (Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship), ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation Councillor Kelly Speck, Mike Green (Forestry Advisor for ’Na̱mg̱is First Nation) and Western's Chief Forester, Stuart Glen met at our Forest Operation in Woss to discuss the many benefits of the collaborative, multi-scale planning approach that has been completed. The outcomes of this work are reflected in the Gwa’ni Land Use Plan, as well as in the draft Forest Landscape Plan and draft Forest Operations Plan, which together cover the portion of ’Na̱mg̱is territory within TFL 37. We are excited to be proactively implementing the first draft FLP and FOP in the Province, in coordination with ’Na̱mg̱is, while those plans are being formally established and approved through the shared decision-making process between the Nation and the Province. We look forward to sharing more details as the process progresses.

Today, we're giving thanks for our talented Washington-based team members and U.S. partners. Thank you for continuing to support our commitment to crafting high-quality wood products that help build a better world.

It's official! In 2026, we will be bringing a whole new product line of Thermally Modified Hem-Fir to North America! The thermal modification process helps create beautiful wood products that are decay-resistant, without any chemicals. #NAWLA2025

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we reflect on Canada’s history and celebrate the resilience of Indigenous Peoples. At Western, we’re listening and learning alongside Indigenous partners, and working together toward a stronger and more inclusive forest sector. #NDTR

We're now interviewing Forestry Students for the upcoming 2026 field season for our operations on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. You'll work hands-on with our experienced Foresters and Field Planners, supporting our forest management and sustainability programs. 💠 Pay based on skill level and experience 💠 Living out allowance 💠 Relocation support 💠 Housing available (in some communities) Apply in our online career centre: bit.ly/3Vpp7hR

Very happy to have worked with the Cowichan Estuary Restoration and Conservation Association in creating this peaceful little observation deck in the Cowichan Estuary. Well done to the Westerners who assisted with clearing the construction area. We hope our durable yellow cedar will make for an enjoyable resting spot for many visitors over many years!

It has been a very challenging week for many of our colleagues with the fire at our Columbia Vista facility. In a difficult time, we're wishing all our American coworkers and friends a safe and happy Independence Day.

Since the onset of COVID, the Western team in #Holberg has noticed more and more visitors traveling to the north end of Vancouver Island, searching for beauty and tranquility. With that tranqulity comes remoteness... and bumpy roads... and unexpected weather, flat tires, car breakdowns and generally lost and confused motorists. This holiday weekend, we're throwing a shout out to all Westerners and the Holberg locals who always step up with a smile to help visitors. Wishing everyone safe travels, wherever the road may take you.

Bonjour and hello from the Montréal Wood Convention, an annual showcase of expertise, innovations, and solutions to drive the wood products industry forward. Brad and Perry from the Western sales team are in booth 47, taking advantage of the opportunity to liaise with potential and existing clientelle, especially those from eastern Canada. What are the hot topics at the Western table? The beauty of our extensive line of western red cedar products, and the durability of our Pro-Grade coastal hem-fir. Take a look through the products section of our website: westernforest.com/products/ #WRC #westernredcedar #hemfir #woodproducts #BCforestry #woodisgood #montreal

A quick round up of photos of Westerners sharing their skills with high school students from across the Cowichan Valley. During a brief but thorough visit, they learned about economics and log supply in the boardroom, 3D cameras for mill flow in the electrical room, fabrication and computer-aided machining in the shop, and forklift and loader safety in the yard. Special thanks to Jim Costley from COFI for helping organize the day, along with Jordan Long and the whole crew at our Cowichan Bay sawmill.

Western's CEO Steven Hofer joined today's afternoon panel at the Truck Loggers Association Annual Convention for a great discussion about the challenges and opportunities ahead for BC forestry. It highlighted the importance of industry working together with a unified voice as we navigate the path forward. #bcforestry #truckloggersassociation 📷 TLA

We're very much looking forward to supporting more great projects like this one in the new year! The wood for this canoe was sourced from the traditional territories of the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and K’ómoks First Nations, within the TFL operated by La-kwa sa muqw Forestry -- a recently-formed partnership between those three Nations, Tlowitsis First Nation, and Western. It's inspiring to see this traditional workmanship come to fruition. Take a look! bit.ly/4299pff