Many Yukoners risk being left to freeze in the dark this winter thanks to their Liberal government, says the Yukon Party.

Yukon firewood producers and those who burn wood as their main source of heat have been pleading with the government to get firewood-cutting permits out the door, and to plan for harvesting areas, the official Opposition said last week.

“Unfortunately, thanks to the Liberals not addressing this issue, the Yukon is heading for another winter where firewood delivery will be scarce.

“It’s mid-September, and the Yukon Party official Opposition is already fielding calls from concerned Yukoners who cannot get firewood delivered for the upcoming winter.”

Many of those who are able to find a supplier are now paying over $500 per cord due to the shortage, the party said.

“Wait lists are as long as three months,” the party added.

Some commercial operators are now looking as far away as Fort Nelson, B.C. for supply, the YP said.

“Trucking wood almost 1,000 kilometres will drive up costs for the consumer and is bad for the environment.”

“This important issue was brought to the attention of the Liberals by the industry way back in June of 2021,” said Energy, Mines and Resources critic Scott Kent.

“The minister (John Streicker) said in January the shortage was not due to permitting or supply but cold weather.

“Now many months later, suppliers and Yukoners are telling us there is no wood to be found, and a lack of supply.”

Not allowing logging in the Quill Creek harvest area from April 1 into the fall has exacerbated the issue, Kent said.

“The minister needs to address the firewood shortage right now or many Yukoners will be left out in the cold this winter.”

Asked about the opposition’s concerns, the cabinet communications staff released this statement:

“We are aware there have been challenges with wood reaching Yukoners and are closely monitoring the price, availability, demand and production of firewood in the Yukon, and we are considering additional measures to support Yukoners seeking firewood.

“Harvesting opportunities for firewood continue to be available and permits continue to be issued throughout the territory. Eligible operators have not been denied a permit due to wood supply.”

The government is working with the Yukon Wood Products Association and other members of the forest industry to support them in moving firewood to market, the statement added.

“We expect more local firewood to start moving into the Yukon market later in the fall once the ground freezes and local suppliers begin harvesting and delivering.

“We continue to expand access to timber within approved timber harvest plans and through additional salvage, fuel abatement, and other harvesting opportunities that arise as part of other land uses or in areas with natural disturbance.”

The Quill Creek Timber Harvest Plan was approved in November 2021, the statement noted.

“This area will provide a long-term supply of timber in the Haines Junction region.

“Timber harvesting activities in the Quill Creek planning area may resume on October 1, after seasonal restrictions to address forest fire risk are lifted.”

In working with Yukon Wildland Fire Management, the statement said, “notable progress” was made on the design of the Quill Creek fuel break near Haines Junction, with construction expected to commence this winter.

Once the fuel break is completed, harvesting activities will be permitted from Aug. 15 to March 31. This adds 45 days from the current window of Oct. 1 to March 31.

“Activities like timber processing at landings and timber hauling will be allowed year-round in low fire hazard conditions once the fuel break is constructed,” the statement said.

The Yukon Party made its comments before Wednesday’s announcement of a new rebate to offset higher costs of firewood.

As reported in Wednesday’s Star, the rebate, available to Yukon households, provides $50 for each cord of firewood purchased, to a maximum of 10 cords.

Applicants must submit a proof of delivery form signed by their firewood supplier when applying for the rebate.

It’s available for firewood bought between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023.