Four ministerial orders have been signed to advance the Gwa’ni Land Use Planning Project on Vancouver Island, covering more than 160,000 hectares in the Nimpkish Valley.
The province said the move marks a milestone for North Island communities and will support ecosystems that include old-growth forests, wildlife and all five species of Pacific wild salmon.
Port McNeil Mayor James Furney said the community is proud to collaborate with the ’Namgis First Nation and the province.
“The future of BC is dependent of world-leading conservation, forest practices and foresty policy, and the Gwa’ni project is a testament to both,” he said. “I compliment the the Namgis First Nation, BC and industry for pulling the rope in the same direction and prioritizing the forest, not merely a fibre supply.”
The next phase of the project will focus on evaluating the planning framework for the region and providing direction for resource, cultural, wildlife and recreational values.
Port Hardy Mayor Patricia Corbett-Labatt said she is looking forward to seeing the plan implemented.
“I look forward to seeing the economic benefits this project will bring to the North Island,” she said. “The Gwa’ni Land Use Planning Project provides important planning and operational clarity, helping to create stability for the local forestry sector and support increased, sustainable harvest levels over time.”
Work on the land use project began in 2021. The province said the team has since completed multiple phases of engagement, development work and planning with communities across the region.
