Yukon Announces New Forest Sector Fund

Feb 26, 2026 - 3 months ago

Locally sourced firewood and timber are essential to heat and build Yukon homes. The new Government of Yukon is providing low-barrier funding to commercial timber harvesters in a new multi-year program to strengthen and support the Yukon forestry industry.

The Forest Sector Fund supports commercial timber harvesters to work safely, efficiently and sustainably in the face of rising costs. It will help operators overcome a range of challenges related to fuel, equipment, employees, financing and planning.

By supporting Yukon forestry businesses, this program aims to boost availability of firewood and building logs, so that Yukoners have reliable access to wood to heat and build more homes.

Harvesters are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for this 2025–26 season, with expenses spent after November 3, 2025, eligible to be repaid.

In the meantime, the Government of Yukon continues to review its regulatory, permitting and planning processes with a goal to increase certainty for the forestry industry and those who heat their homes with wood.

"The new government is focused on improving outcomes for the Yukon’s many dedicated timber harvesters and those who rely on wood to heat their homes," stated Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Ted Laking. "We want to see commercial harvesters thrive and the goal of this funding is to help increase the supply of firewood to heat Yukon homes. The funding also offers incentives to deliver quality building logs to home and cabin builders, contributes to energy security and helps create conditions that allow this sector to grow."

Quick facts

The 2025–26 program costs of $100,000 are managed within existing budget appropriations.
The Forest Sector Fund has three streams: Capacity Support, Building Log Incentive and Liquidity Support.
The Yukon has more than 70 businesses employing people across the territory who harvest and sell wood to Yukoners and Yukon businesses.

Source: Government of Yukon