The Canadian woodworking scene has always been notable, and 2023 has proven no different. The annual Wood-Mizer Project Contest, a woodworking competition since 1985, witnesses portable sawmill owners creating outstanding projects with self-sawn lumber.
This North America-wide contest offers woodworking enthusiasts a chance to claim their share of a whopping $25,000 prize pool, across ten diverse categories. These include Homes, Small Homes, Barns, and more. In an exciting twist, the public holds the reins for the People's Choice Award, casting online votes for their top projects.
2023 was particularly successful, drawing over 200 submissions, and tens of thousands of online votes. “Every year, we continue to be amazed by the creativity and craftsmanship of Wood-Mizer sawmill owners all over the world,” said John Smith, Wood-Mizer CEO. “Congratulations to every sawyer who has accomplished their dream of building a project or business with a Wood-Mizer.”
Top honours went to US participants, Tim Kirk, from the scenic backdrop of Red Lodge, Montana, claimed the top spot in the Homes & Major Structures category for his expansive multi-purpose workshop. Blake Loree of Texas stole the show in the Small Homes & Cabins section with his Windsor Chair studio. But among these international talents, Canadian woodworking craftsmen truly stood out.
Canadian were awarded several top prizes, including:
- Andrew Ross from New Brunswick secured a proud second place in the Homes & Major Structures category.
- Jason Hooft of Prince George, British Columbia, shared the third-place glory in the same category.
- And in the realm of Exterior Projects, Hugo Chartier from British Columbia bagged the top position with his majestic round house project, a unique log gazebo situated amidst an ancient forest.
"It is a 30-foot diameter round platform with reciprocal log gazebo in the middle of an old growth forest. This place is out of this world! I had my wedding in the structure,” said Chartier.
These Canadian woodworking wonders, alongside other remarkable entrants, are now featured in the Wood-Mizer Project Gallery online. For those inspired by the sheer skill and passion demonstrated by these artisans, it's worth noting that these dreams are carved, quite literally, with Wood-Mizer sawmills.