B.C. launches new forestry and emergency management testbed under Look West plan

The B.C. government has launched a new Forestry Innovation and Emergency Management Testbed aimed at helping local companies develop and scale technologies to better protect communities from wildfires, floods and other extreme weather events. The initiative is part of the province’s Look West economic plan, which focuses on strengthening domestic industries and reducing reliance on external markets.

Delivered through Innovate BC’s Integrated Marketplace, the provincewide testbed will allow B.C. businesses to pilot technologies in real-world settings tied to wildfire and flood prevention, forestry management and emergency response innovation. The province says the projects are intended to generate data and practical insights that can be applied across B.C., improving emergency preparedness and streamlining processes in the forestry sector.

Jobs and Economic Growth Minister Ravi Kahlon said the program is designed to help de-risk made-in-B.C. technologies while creating opportunities for commercialization. Forestry Minister Ravi Parmar added that recent wildfire seasons and flooding events, including ongoing impacts in the Fraser Valley, highlight the need for new tools and collaboration to address growing climate-related risks.

Industry participants say the testbed model helps smaller companies overcome barriers to market entry by demonstrating their technologies at scale. The initiative is the fifth testbed announced under the Integrated Marketplace since its launch in 2023, following similar programs focused on airports, marine ports and health care innovation.

The Integrated Marketplace was created by the Province of B.C. in partnership with PacifiCan to connect government and industry with local innovators. Officials say the new testbed supports broader Look West objectives, including job creation, faster delivery of major projects and growth in targeted sectors such as technology, forestry innovation and advanced manufacturing.