B.C. is establishing a new wood fibre network aimed at helping buyers of wood products find the right supplier, Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell announced Monday.

"This will have a significant impact on the opportunity to build valueadded product in the province," Bell said in a conference call announcing the new network, called Fibre Connections BC. "I think this is a great initiative." The new service will directly link fibre suppliers, manufacturers and investors to streamline the flow of B.C. wood to its highest value, Bell said.

"We have staff in all areas of the province with detailed knowledge about the land base, fibre supply, existing manufacturers and potential product opportunities. Fibre Connections BC will make it possible to share that information in a direct and coordinated way." Bell said people can call any forest district office, government agency or FrontCounter BC (a service that simplifies the process for individuals or small-to-medium-sized natural resource businesses starting up or already operating) and be referred to people with the appropriate expertise.

He said the fibre inquiries or proposals will be directed to one of 72 fibre officers based in communities throughout the province, who will act as "facilitators" bringing together the different parties.

The officers are working throughout the province in other jobs and will be trained in their new duties.

Bell said, for example, if someone wants to open a door manufacturing plant in Fort St. John, "they [the fibre officer] would look at your fibre requirement, your business plan ... and likely connect you to a local sawmill." Bell said the No. 1 issue he hears around the province is the need to source fibre. "But there's no shortage of fibre. This [Fibre Connections BC] is creating a connection between those who need the fibre and those who provide it." He said there will be no charge for people accessing the network.

According to a ministry release, Fibre Connections BC will also work closely with the Ministry of Community and Rural Development and provincial resource ministries to ensure information is coordinated across the government and captures all new investment opportunities.

"Whether you're a wood pellet producer looking for chips, or a first nation, municipal government or community forest licence-holder looking for customers, Fibre Connections BC can help get you in touch with the people you need," said Bell.

A public website will be launched this fall to support the new network.

Meanwhile, Bell also said that China's appetite for B.C.'s wood products continues to grow, with the province on pace to sell more than two billion board feet of lumber this year.

"We believe the market can double by 2013," Bell added. "We're very excited about the growth in China."