Logging as It Was in British Columbia

[MikePhua]

The Rise of Timber in Coastal Canada
Logging in British Columbia has long been a cornerstone of its economic development. In the early 1900s, the forests of Vancouver Island and the surrounding coastal regions were among the most valuable timber reserves in North America. British investors, drawn by the promise of high returns, poured capital into timber leases and land acquisitions. At the time, a single pound sterling (£1) was equivalent to $5 USD, and timber investments were yielding annual returns exceeding 200%, making forestry one of the most lucrative ventures in the region.
The provincial government, previously struggling with financial instability, found new wealth through the alienation of timber lands. By 1905, timber licenses were granted in square-mile blocks at a rental of one shilling per acre annually. These licenses often included perpetual renewal clauses, allowing holders to maintain access at original rates. With stumpage fees as low as two shillings per thousand board feet, British Columbia’s timber was significantly cheaper than that of neighboring U.S. states.
Timber Valuation and Market Dynamics
Timber valuation in the early 20th century was a specialized profession. A timber cruiser—an expert who estimated the volume and quality of standing timber—could influence bank lending decisions with a single signed report. Most cruisers underestimated volumes, ensuring that actual yields exceeded projections. This conservative approach, combined with the regenerative nature of forests, meant that timber lands often held more value than initially recorded.
The cost of converting standing timber into rough lumber was approximately £1 per thousand board feet. This included felling, cutting, transporting to mills, and processing. Local market prices for rough lumber hovered around 56 shillings per thousand, while international markets—particularly in the prairies and overseas—commanded even higher rates. Compared to U.S. prices, British Columbia’s timber was a bargain: Douglas fir sold for 10 shillings per thousand in Washington, while cedar and spruce fetched 12 shillings.
Infrastructure and Industrial Expansion
To capitalize on timber resources, investors needed infrastructure. A typical large-scale operation required:

• 500 acres of land with port access: under £20,000
  
• A first-class mill: approximately £20,000
  
• Timber leases covering 30–40 square miles: under £100,000
  
• Logging railway construction: £4,000 per mile
  
• Equipment including engines, trucks, and yarders: £20,000
  

With a total capital investment of £200,000, projected profits could exceed 250% annually. Mills were initially built near urban centers to support local economies, but efficiency demanded relocation to coastal fjords and bays. These natural harbors could be developed cheaply and allowed direct access for ocean-going vessels, reducing towing costs and boosting export capacity.
Logging Techniques and Equipment Evolution
Early logging relied heavily on manual labor and rudimentary tools. Crosscut saws, axes, and horse-drawn sleds were standard. The introduction of steam-powered “donkey engines” revolutionized the industry, enabling log skidding over long distances. These winch systems used cables and pulleys to haul massive logs from the forest to waterways.
By the 1930s, rail logging became prevalent. Narrow-gauge railways penetrated deep into timber stands, transporting logs to mills with greater speed and efficiency. In Aberdeen, Washington, Hobi Logging showcased this transition with vintage footage from 1936, capturing the grit and ingenuity of the era.
Social Impact and Labor Realities
Despite the wealth generated, most loggers lived modestly. Wages were low, working conditions harsh, and safety standards minimal. Logging camps were isolated, with bunkhouses, cook shacks, and rudimentary medical care. Injuries were common, and fatalities not unusual. Yet the camaraderie among workers and the pride in their craft created a unique culture.
A retired logger from Vancouver Island recalled riding the Jervis Express as a child, watching the Gustavson Brothers Logging operations unfold along the inlet. These memories reflect a time when logging was not just an industry but a way of life.
Terminology Notes

• Stumpage: A fee paid to the government for harvesting timber from public lands
  
• Board Foot: A unit of measure for lumber, equal to 12" x 12" x 1"
  
• Donkey Engine: A steam-powered winch used for skidding logs
  
• Cruiser: A professional who estimates timber volume and value
  
• Alienation: The transfer of land or resource rights from public to private ownership
  

Modern Reflections and Sustainability
Today, logging in British Columbia is governed by stricter environmental regulations and sustainable practices. Reforestation, selective harvesting, and ecosystem management are central to modern forestry. While the golden age of unchecked expansion has passed, the legacy of early logging remains embedded in the region’s identity.
Understanding this history offers insight into the transformation of natural resources into economic power—and the human stories behind it. From steam donkeys to satellite mapping, the evolution of logging reflects both technological progress and the enduring value of timber.