Image: City of Mission
Timber sales in Mission

City of Mission experiences significant profit from 2025 timber sales

Mar 9, 2026 | 12:21 PM

MISSION — The City of Mission says sales from its municipal forestry operation saw a significant profit, one that more than doubled its initial expectations.

According to a statement from the municipality, despite ongoing uncertainty around tariffs on softwood lumber, the City of Mission’s forestry operation reported a profit exceeding $1.1 million in 2025 from timber sales.

The city says that by leveraging temporary market upticks throughout the year, the city’s forestry department released three timber sales culminating in a net profit of $1,138,769 after fee and fund transfers in 2025. The original forecast for the year was a net profit of $459,133.

”These returns show that we are very fortunate to have exceptional staff in our forestry department,” Mayor Paul Horn said. “They continue to confirm the wisdom of Mission’s early leaders who saw the value in Forestry here. We are proud that we are seeing local returns on our forestry using sustainable and leading practices.”

The city says revenue from timber sales funds the municipality’s Forestry Legacy Reserve.

“This unique reserve is used by Council to allocate funding for projects and initiatives that benefit the community now and into the future,” the city said, citing recent examples like the new Emiry Park in Cedar Valley and the covered lacrosse box at Centennial Park. Both of these projects were made possible in part by funding from the Forestry Legacy Reserve, funds that would otherwise need to be raised through taxation.

Beyond the timber sales, the city says its forestry department was busy engaging community members throughout the fall, with activities such as:

  • Leading a forestry delegation from Finland through a tour of Mission Municipal Forest, along with the Chief Forester of BC and UBC Faculty of Forestry staff.
  • Leading a delegation of mayors and staff from the Hokkaido Association of Towns and Villages in Japan. This included a meeting with Mayor Horn and a presentation on the Municipal Forest at City Hall.
  • Hosting a class of third-year geography class from the University of the Fraser Valley.
  • Participating in a weeklong forestry program at Riverside College as part of the Trades Sampler program (November 17 – 21). The program was a huge success and was enjoyed by forestry staff, Riverside students and staff.

Looking ahead, the city’s annual CutBlock Party is scheduled for Saturday, Marrch 21 near the Hunter Logging Road at the end of Sabo Street in northern Mission. The popular event features opportunities for hiking, tree planting, and other family-friendly activities.