The Mackenzie Region of Northwest Alberta is the 2024-2025 Forest Capital of Canada

The Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) awarded the Mackenzie Region the title of Forest Capital of Canada (FCC) 2024. The moniker celebrates “regions for their connectivity to the forest.” The Mackenzie Region rose to the challenge, and as a result, CIF once again awarded the region the FCC title for 2025.

The FCC Board has developed numerous initiatives, events, promotions and contests.

“I’m so proud of how much we’ve accomplished in a year and a half. We couldn’t have done it without our sponsors or our energetic board and contractors,” said FCC Board Chair Lisa Wardley.

The FCC Board developed a brand that highlights how fulfilling and amazing it is to live, work and play in the Mackenzie Region.

Join Boris' Online Adventure

The FCC Board hired Long Sleeve Productions to develop “Boris in the Boreal Forest.” Boris is an animated spruce tree created to promote the importance and significance of forests, especially to youth and the young at heart.

During his online adventure, Boris travels across Mackenzie Region. Starting south of La Crete, he makes stops along the way at places such as Fort Vermilion and Machesis Lake where he interacts and learns from local experts.

Join Boris as he visits a real pioneer home, an Indigenous Elder, a forester, a woodland supervisor and a wildfire centre. Take a hike with Gale and John to discover a real bear den and learn how to make forest crafts. Spend time kayaking and go on a helicopter ride. Learn about planting trees, building houses and more.

What’s New?

With renewed 2025 funding recently acquired, the FCC Board has many initiatives on the go—including expanding the Boris brand and promoting work life in the Forest Capital of Canada 2025.

In February, the Long Sleeve Productions team filmed extensively for the Boris Adventure Winter Edition. Local youth contest winners Ellie and Cara [pictured] will be featured in Boris’ new adventure as hosts for the 10th annual High Level Frostival. Boris’ winter adventure is expected to launch later this year.

In March and April, the FCC team worked with local teachers and school division staff to line up the educational content of Boris’ Adventure with Alberta school curriculum requirements.

“It’s so exciting to know lessons from the Mackenzie Region will be taught in science and social studies classrooms locally and beyond,” said Wardley. “Thanks to our new board member Shelby Roberts, who is also a local teacher, for helping with this initiative.”

Join Boris' Adventure: https://www.fcc2024.com/boris

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The FCC 2025-2025 Board would like to acknowledge the generous support of their sponsors:

• Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta

• Tolko

• Weyerhaeuser

• Crestview Sawmills Ltd.

• Forest Products Association of Canada

• REDI: Regional Economic Development Initiative Northwest Alberta

• West Fraser

• Evergreen Lumber Inc.

• Mackenzie County

• Town of High Level

• La Crete Sawmills

• Boucher Bros. Lumber Ltd.

• Mercer