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FESBC — 2025-27 Fibre Utilization Funding

Supports residual fibre utilization projects

Offered by
The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC)

Source change captured

Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Who can apply
First Nations in British Columbia
See full eligibility

Overview

Up to $30 million over three years supports projects that increase the utilization of low-value and residual fibre in British Columbia. Eligible activities include delivering uneconomic residual fibre to non-sawlog facilities and overstorey removal or fibre delivery from fire- or insect-damaged stands.

At a glance

Funding available

Varies by project

Financing goals
  • Implement environmental initiatives
  • Increase operational productivity
  • Optimize production processes
  • Reduce environmental footprint

Eligible candidates

Location
  • British Columbia
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Rural or Northern Residents
Legal structures
Non-profit, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
Environment
Target groups
Indigenous peoples, Rural / Remote communities, Business owners / entrepreneurs
Scope
Municipal, Regional, Provincial

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2025
Periods: 1

Latest changes

FESBC Fibre Utilization Funding: Program Timeline and Portal Updates

The programme timeline shifted from 2025-27 to 2026-27, with the FESIMS application portal and intake section updated.

See more

The FESBC Fibre Utilization Funding programme timeline has been updated from the 2025-27 period to the 2026-27 period (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027), reflecting the current intake window for projects delivering otherwise unmarketable, non-sawlog fibre from forest management activities. The FESIMS application portal link and the webinar recording section have been refreshed, which may affect how applicants access submission tools and guidance. Applicants are encouraged to verify current portal access details before submitting proposals. Eligibility criteria, funding calculation methodology, and the $30 million funding envelope over three years remain unchanged. The programme continues to support residual fibre utilization to non-sawlog facilities, including pulp mills, cant mills, pellet mills, and energy complexes, while excluding dimensional lumber manufacturers.

March 20, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • First Nations in British Columbia
  • Companies owned by First Nation governments or Indigenous entrepreneurs
  • Community forest agreement holders and woodlot licensees
  • Forest tenure holders, fibre suppliers or purchasers of non-sawlog fibre
  • Provincial ministries, provincial agencies, municipalities and regional districts

Who is not eligible

  • Companies or tenure holders that manufacture dimensional softwood lumber

Eligible expenses

  • Skidding or forwarding
  • Processing, loading and hauling
  • Road maintenance fees
  • Onsite grinding or chipping
  • Project administration and GST, if applicable

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Delivery to dimensional lumber or other higher-value primary manufacturing facilities
  • Costs that are part of tenure obligations or stumpage appraisal estimates
  • Costs paid or committed by other funding sources
  • Costs beyond the receiving site gate
  • Silviculture costs

Eligible geographic areas

  • British Columbia
  • BC provincial Crown land

Activities funded

  • Delivery of uneconomic residual fibre to non-sawlog facilities
  • Overstorey removal and fibre delivery from fire- or insect-damaged stands
  • Residual fibre utilization from commercial harvesting or wildfire risk reduction treatments

How to apply

  • Step 1: Review program requirements
    • Read the program guide and confirm your project fits the intake.
    • Contact FESBC if any requirements are unclear.
  • Step 2: Prepare application materials
    • Complete the Incremental Cost Calculation Template.
    • Prepare maps, cost information, delivery schedule and supporting details.
    • Obtain written authorization if a third party will apply.
  • Step 3: Submit through FESIMS
    • Create or log into your FESIMS account.
    • Upload the required information and documents in the portal.
    • Submit the application online.

Documents Needed

  • FESIMS application form
  • Incremental Cost Calculation Template
  • Project maps and KML/KMZ files
  • Cost estimate and delivery schedule
  • Written authorization for third-party applicants, if applicable

Selection criteria

  • Cost effectiveness ($/m3)
  • First Nations involvement
  • Use of uneconomic fibre from damaged stands
  • Innovation in end products, methods or equipment
  • Application quality and past delivery experience

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed by FESBC and ranked against selection criteria.
  • FESBC may request additional information during review.
  • Funding decisions are final and successful applicants are notified in writing and verbally.
  • Approved applicants must enter a recipient agreement with PwC before implementation.
  • Projects cannot start until the project plan and required authorizations are approved.

Additional information

  • Applications are submitted through the FESIMS online portal.
  • Third parties may apply on behalf of an eligible applicant with written authorization.
  • Funding approvals do not allow work to start before project plan approval.
  • Approved projects may be subject to audits and site visits.

Contacts

office@fesbc.ca
1.877.225.2010 or 778.765.0980

Official sources

Program guide

FESBC 2025-27 Fibre Utilization Funding Program Guide
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Frequently Asked Questions about the FESBC — 2025-27 Fibre Utilization Funding Program

What is the FESBC — 2025-27 Fibre Utilization Funding?

Up to $30 million over three years supports projects that increase the utilization of low-value and residual fibre in British Columbia. Eligible activities include delivering uneconomic residual fibre to non-sawlog facilities and overstorey removal or fibre delivery from fire- or insect-damaged stands.

Who is eligible for the FESBC — 2025-27 Fibre Utilization Funding program?

To be eligible for the FESBC — 2025-27 Fibre Utilization Funding program, you must: Project on BC provincial Crown land. Delivers uneconomic residual fibre. Applicant can enter recipient agreement.

What expenses are eligible under FESBC — 2025-27 Fibre Utilization Funding?

Skidding or forwarding Processing, loading and hauling Road maintenance fees Onsite grinding or chipping Project administration and GST, if applicable

Who can I contact for more information about the FESBC — 2025-27 Fibre Utilization Funding?

You can contact The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) by email at office@fesbc.ca or by phone at 1.877.225.2010 or 778.765.0980.

Where is the FESBC — 2025-27 Fibre Utilization Funding available?

The FESBC — 2025-27 Fibre Utilization Funding program is available the province of British Columbia.

Is the FESBC — 2025-27 Fibre Utilization Funding a grant, loan, or tax credit?

FESBC — 2025-27 Fibre Utilization Funding is a Grant and Funding

Who are the financial supporters of the FESBC — 2025-27 Fibre Utilization Funding?

FESBC — 2025-27 Fibre Utilization Funding is funded by The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC)