Forest Capital of Canada 2024
Mackenzie Region has been chosen as the Forest Capital of Canada for 2024! This is the first time it's been awarded in western Canada since 2013!
Meet the Mackenzie Region, This Year's Forest Capital of Canada
In this celebration video, local forestry professionals, community members, educational partners, and more share their insights on the region’s strong connection to its forests and the impact it has on their lives and livelihoods. Discover the essential role forestry plays in building sustainable communities, creating jobs, and promoting environmental stewardship.
Watch VideoWhat Can People Expect?
Our Mission Statement
Embracing the Title
"We will be showcasing our stories, our history and our spirit. This designation is now part of our legacy, and we're developing strategies to capture our culture and celebrate it."
Empowering Communities
The FCC2024 Board is made up of experienced and engaged people from across the region. They will be partnering with communities, non-profits, businesses and organizations to build on scheduled events and to help develop new events throughout the year.
Collaborative Strength
We will celebrate across the region, with events and legacy projects with seed funding coming from partners like Mackenzie County, Town of High Level, Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) and a successful FRIAA/FRIP funding partnership with Tolko, West Fraser, La Crete Sawmills, Boucher Bros. Lumber, Mercer and supported by Crestview Lumber and Evergreen Mills.
Celebrate and Engage
“We are confident our region will work together throughout the year and take every opportunity to celebrate and showcase our forest and our connection to it,” said Wardley. “Watch our socials and get ready to like, share and engage!”
Meet Boris The Spruce Tree
Join Boris to visit a real pioneer home, an Indigenous Elder, a forester, a woodland supervisor and a wildfire centre. Hike with Gale and John to discover a real bear den. Learn how to make forest crafts. Then, kayak Machesis Lake and take a helicopter ride. Learn about planting trees, building houses & more.
Visit Boris
Recent Happenings
Signage Update
FCC2024 Welcome Highway Sign Is Up!While approaching the entrance to Mackenzie County, you will be greeted with an additional welcome sign letting you know it's the Forest Capital of Canada!
Congratulations
First Winner of #myfccmoment ContestCongratulations to Treena Ward, who was our first winner of the $500 grocery gift card. She chose $200 from Super J Food and $300 from La Crete Co-op. 🎉 We received 35 entries for this first round, and there are still 2 more prizes of $500 to win. Click the button below to enter the contest!
Coming Soon
Welcome Highway SignsCheck out these "welcome" and "thank you for visiting" signs on the highway in the near future. Thank you Raye's Signs!
Winter Fun
9th Annual FrostivalFCC embraced the theme "In The Forest," during the 9th Annual Frostival. Once again the Town of High Level partnered with Ice on Whyte. Master Carvers Cliff and Andrew created some amazing sculptures.
The Forest Capital of Canada was very proud to be involved! Some of the volunteers wore dual-hats and served shaved ice and cotton candy, handed out FCC2024 buttons and stickers, and chatted up why our region is so spectacular! Axe throwing by Axe Monkeys, from Edmonton, had line ups to "toss the axe" which was a sure sign of success!
Just Happened
Join the Christmas Bird Count!
Be part of North America’s longest-running citizen science project, started in 1900! Each year, thousands of volunteers help count birds to track their populations and distribution.
In Canada, the CBC is coordinated by Birds Canada in partnership with the National Audubon Society. It’s free, fun, and a great way to connect with nature this holiday season!
Between December 14 and January 5, local groups organize bird counts in specific areas, led by a volunteer Compiler. This year, Northern Lights Forest Education Society (NLFES) is proud to volunteer as a Compiler and the count will be held on December 14!
Visit NLFES website for more info – https://nlfes.ca/event/christmas-bird-count
Join the zoom meeting on December 4th @ 7pm – virtual meeting
Meeting ID: 874 4246 0625
Passcode: 827511
Our Sponsors
We appreciate our sponsors for their invaluable support and collaboration.
