ForestWorks

This week we speak with Vanderhoof councillor and UBCM immediate past president Brian Frenkel. Councillor Frenkel has worked in forest and environmental consulting for 35 years, and serves on the province’s Mass Timber Advisory Council.

ForestWorks delves below the rhetoric to get to the real facts of this important industry through conversation with people who really know their stuff. In this episode host Stewart Muir speaks to Nicola Dickson, a consulting Registered Professional Forester currently practicing in the Nanaimo area, with experience in both the coastal and interior forestry regions. She works in forest planning, roads and road design, appraisals, site plans, and Forest Stewardship Plans. She is one of about 5,500 registered forest professionals working in numerous roles with government, industry, First Nations, and as consultants. 

This episode delves into the “roles” of Leadership in the Forestry Industry, highlighting the concerns for the average worker. Brian Butler, President of USW Local 1 - 1937 offers his insights on the current state of the Industry, and what actions he is taking to ensure the strength and stability in ongoing employment for the Union Membership.

Port McNeill, located on Northern Vancouver Island is, in a word, idyllic. Not unlike many other small towns in British Columbia, it was founded and continues to grow today as a burgeoning community due largely to the forestry industry - a rich legacy that literally built the socioeconomic backbone of our province. In this episode, Forest Works has a candid discussion with Gaby Wickstrom, Mayor of Port McNeill,  that unveils some of the unique challenges, triumphs and fragility facing “Industry Towns” in BC.