BC Timber Sales (BCTS) was founded in 2003 with a mandate to provide the cost and price benchmarks for timber harvested from public land in British Columbia. Through 12 Business Areas and an operational presence in 33 locations, BCTS manages some 20 percent of the provincial Crown allowable annual cut.

In 2013/14 an external consultant conducted a review of BC Timber Sales’ role and effectiveness in response to a letter of expectations from the Premier which tasked the Minister to examine the role and effectiveness of BC Timber Sales and make recommendations for improvement to Cabinet. The review was conducted in two phases, Phase 1 addressing role and Phase 2 examining how to maximize effectiveness in fulfilling its role. Phase 1 recommendations were considered by Cabinet in February of 2014 and direction has been provided on a revised and strengthened role for BCTS as follows:

Goal:

Provide credible representative price and cost benchmark data for the Market Pricing System through auctions of timber harvested from public land in British Columbia.

Objectives:

1. Sell the full BC Timber Sales’ apportionment over the business cycle, consistent with safe practices and sustainable forest management;
2. Generate direct net revenue and indirect revenue for the province over the business cycle; and
3. Continuous business improvement.

Phase 2 includes a range of recommendations aimed at ensuring that BCTS is well positioned to deliver on its new role.  The Ministry is currently reviewing the recommendations as the first step toward implementation.

The BCTS commitment to the safety of all people affected by its operations – employees, contractors, licensees and the public – is demonstrated by achievement of SAFE Company certification in August 2008.  BCTS requires SAFE Company certification for all parties employing workers on Timber Sales Licences or bidding on contracts with BCTS.

Sound forest management is also a high priority for British Columbians and central to the BCTS mandate. BCTS is one of the largest planters of trees in British Columbia, with 458 million seedlings planted in its first eleven years. The commitment to forest management excellence includes maintaining certification of an Environmental Management System in all Business Areas under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 14001) and Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) certification over 100% of its operating areas.

Over the last eleven years, BCTS has contributed to the economic prosperity of British Columbians by auctioning more than 156 million cubic metres of timber, selling 128 million cubic metres and generated $437 million in net revenue.

This website provides information about our Business Plan and performance, and access to documents, forms and other materials for clients and program registrants.