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.

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What 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." - Melanie Plantinga, FCC2024 Co-Chair.

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!” -Lisa Wardley, Board Co-Chair

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.

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A Picture of FCC 2024 Board Members With Boris
A Picture of FCC 2024 Board Members With Boris
Latest News

Recent Happenings

Raye's Signs owners holding FCC 2024 Welcome Sign.

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!

Raye's Signs owners holding FCC 2024 Welcome Sign.

Congratulations

First Winner of #myfccmoment Contest

Congratulations 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!

Raye's Signs owners holding FCC 2024 Welcome Sign.

Coming Soon

Welcome Highway Signs

Check out these "welcome" and "thank you for visiting" signs on the highway in the near future. Thank you Raye's Signs!

A group of Forest Capital of Canada 2024 Members

Winter Fun

9th Annual Frostival

FCC 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!

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Just Happened

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Event
National Forest Week

Each year National Forest Week (NFW) is celebrated across Canada by many individuals and diverse governmental and non-governmental organizations. During NFW, Canadians are invited to learn more about Canada’s forest heritage and to raise awareness about this valuable and renewable resource.

September 22 September 28 @ 12:00 am 
Canadian Institute of Forestry, Mackenzie Region, AB
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