Quesnel, B.C. – Sustainable businesses and sustainable communities.

Both go hand in hand according to West Fraser’s Ray Ferris, and it’s why the forestry giant has put $1 million ($500,000 contribution, $500,000 in matching funds) towards a soon to be built hockey rink in Quesnel- the newly named West Fraser Centre.

“When we have the opportunity to participate in an exciting project like the West Fraser Centre, it’s about trying to build and be a part of a great community,” says Ferris, the company’s V-P of Wood Products.

He also says for the long term health of a forest company you need two things – access to fibre but more importantly access to great employees.

“Great communities that people want to be a part of and stay with and grow with long term. That’s our approach to it.”

And there’s no mistaking West Fraser is a huge part of Quesnel considering it employs approximately 1,300 workers directly plus many more indirectly including contractors, loggers, and haulers.

Construction on the $17.5 million, 1,600 seat West Fraser Centre is expected to start next spring with a completion date penciled in for the fall of 2016.