Image: City of Mission / The City of Mission says it recorded a record-breaking $7.5 million in net profit from timber sales in the strong utility pole market. The city then takes those proceeds and transfers them to its Forest Legacy Reserve, which can be utilized by city council to invest in future capital projects for the community.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

City of Mission

City of Mission records record profit from its municipal forest timber sales, uses those funds for capital projects

Mar 7, 2024 | 7:15 AM

MISSION — The City of Mission says it recorded a record-breaking $7.5 million in net profit from timber sales in the strong utility pole market.

In an update provided to council from the city’s director of forestry, Chris Gruenwald, the city says net profits will be transferred to the Forest Legacy Reserve, which can be utilized by council to invest in future capital projects for the community.

“2023 was a strong year for our department, despite falling timber markets over the year,” said Gruenwald. “While markets overall were down significantly in 2023, we were able to take advantage of strong utility pole markets early in the year. This was combined with significantly lower stumpage prices compared to 2022, which created ideal financial conditions in 2023. It’s also important to acknowledge the hard work of our staff, contractors, and timber buyers, as their commitment to our community is one of the major reasons we were able to achieve these results.”

The city’s forestry department manages Mission Tree Farm License #26, also known as the Mission Municipal Forest. The City has been managing the forest since 1958. At the time, it was the only community-held tree farm licence in the province.

Since then, profits in the Forest Legacy Reserve have been used to fund several public improvement projects within the community, including most recently funding toward the construction of the Boswyk Seniors Activity Centre, the purchase of a portable mill at Mission Secondary School, and a sizable donation to Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation to support the purchase of a CT scanner and other imaging equipment at the Mission Memorial Hospital.

New Chilliwack attraction to open

Chilliwack attraction to partially open its doors this weekend

13h ago

The 2025 wildfire season is on track to be Canada's 2nd-worst on record

15h ago

Fraser Valley road project

Heavy traffic anticipated this weekend on Hwy. 1 due to Fraser Valley road project

17h ago

“We are extremely grateful for Mission’s Municipal Forest and to our small but dedicated team who manage it,” said Mayor Paul Horn. “They have done an exceptional job of stewarding the forest as an ecosystem, as a recreational resource, and as a source of revenue for our City. While forestry returns fluctuate year over year, our forest has proven a consistent source of revenue for the City over the last 66 years. Our forebears demonstrated remarkable foresight when they acquired the Tree Farm Licence, so our Council’s aim will be to invest those resources in a way that similarly serves our future.”

To learn more about the city’s municipal forest online, visit its Forestry Department.