B.C. Invests $355M to Plant 125 Million Trees

British Columbia just committed to planting 125 million trees, backed by more than $355 million in government funding that will restore forests damaged by wildfire and bring back critical habitats.

The announcement came Tuesday at Western Forest Products' nursery in Central Saanich, where hundreds of thousands of saplings grow before being planted across the B.C. coast. Since 1964, the facility has grown over 130 million seedlings and now plants up to 7 million each year.

The funding splits between provincial and federal governments, with B.C. contributing over $156 million and Ottawa adding more than $200 million. The money targets three key areas: habitat restoration through the 2 Billion Trees Project, wildfire recovery zones, and general reforestation through the BC Forest Investment Program.

Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar says getting the basics right matters for restoring confidence in B.C.'s forest sector. The investment adds to an existing $95 million annual provincial commitment, showing government dedication to long-term forest health.

Under the wildfire restoration stream alone, partners will plant 53.8 million trees on public land throughout B.C. by 2027. These projects focus on areas hardest hit by recent fires, helping ecosystems bounce back faster and stronger.

Another 20 million trees will go toward supporting at-risk species and restoring native vegetation in critical habitats. Western Forest Products CEO Steven Hofer notes their saplings don't just replace harvested trees but also support broader conservation efforts.

The Ripple Effect

This reforestation work creates benefits that reach far beyond new trees. Restored forests provide homes for wildlife, clean water for communities, and jobs for workers in nurseries and planting crews across the province.

The investment also positions B.C. as a leader in sustainable forestry practices. Christina Lavoie, president of the Forestry Nursery Association of BC, says member nurseries stand ready with the resources and expertise needed to meet these ambitious goals.

The funding announcement comes just before B.C. hosts the Council of Canadian Forest Ministers Conference in Langford. Minister Parmar plans to push for continued federal investment in forest sector transformation and trade diversification, ensuring B.C. gets its fair share of support for workers and communities that depend on healthy forests.

From tiny seedlings in Central Saanich to millions of mature trees across the province, this investment plants hope for a greener, more resilient British Columbia.