Alberni Valley Community Forest Provides Major Contribution

Port Alberni, BC – At the June 18, 2020, Alberni Valley Community Forest (AVCF) Annual General Meeting, Chairman, Jim Sears presented the City of Port Alberni a $2 million dividend cheque from revenues produced by the AVCF Corporation’s operations.    

“Alberni Valley Community Forest operations produced a very healthy return in 2019, which puts us in a very healthy financial position,” said Jim Sears, AVCF Chairman. “Given the global pandemic and the resulting financial hardships felt at all levels, we feel this is the time for us to share our successes.”

The $2 million provided to the City will be used to fund projects/programs that benefit the Alberni Valley. While Council is yet to give direction on how the funds are to be allocated, past AVCF dividends have helped support initiatives like the Community Investment Program, which assists not-for-profit organizations in enhancing their ability to provide services or activities within the Alberni Valley.

“On behalf of Council for the City of Port Alberni, I want to thank the Alberni Valley Community Forest and their volunteers for everything they’ve done over the years. This year’s $2 million dividend clearly demonstrates that we can successfully manage sustainable forestry practices while enhancing the livability of our community,” said Sharie Minions, Mayor of Port Alberni.

In November of 2009, the AVCF entered into a 25-year Community Forest Agreement with the Provincial Ministry of Forest and Range, which provides for the exclusive rights to harvest Crown timber and non-timber resources. The Agreement offers two distinct areas for the AVCF; the Sproat Operating Area and the Taylor Operating Area.

The purpose of the AVCF Corporation is to put control of lands and resources into the hands of local people by building a financially viable timber and non-timber forest resource business, which in turn, provides benefits to the community.

The Community Forest tenure is held and operated by the AVCF Corporation, which is 100 percent owned by the City of Port Alberni. The board of directors for the AVCF is comprised of seven directors appointed by the City of Port Alberni (the shareholder) and includes representatives from community, Hupacasath First Nation, Tseshaht First Nation and City Council.

for more information

Sharie Minions, Mayor

City of Port Alberni

250-735-9444

sharie_minions@portalberni.ca

Tim Pley, Chief Administrative Officer

City of Port Alberni

250-720-2824

timothy_pley@portalberni.ca