Chainsaw diplomacy: Chetwynd, B.C., is giving away its chainsaw carvings to other municipalities

A northern B.C. community whose highway is lined with elaborate chainsaw carvings is starting to give some of the statues away to municipalities throughout the province. 

Each year, 12 of the world's best chainsaw carvers travel to Chetwynd — a community of about 2,300 in the northeastern B.C.  — to compete in the annual Chetwynd International Chainsaw Carving Championship. 

The championship is now in its 19th year, and it has left a legacy of more than 150 chainsaw carvings scattered throughout Chetwynd. 

"We give smiles away," said Chetwynd Mayor Allen Courtoreille. 

He says Chetwynd has been giving some of its excess carvings as a sign of goodwill to other communities in the province. In May, Chetwynd gifted a carving of an eagle and salmon to Prince Rupert and one of a dolphin and turtle to the Village of Fraser Lake. 

Last year, they gave a statue to Smithers and have also sent carvings to Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge 

"If you smile, then you get a smile back. So it's very important, and that's why the chainsaw carvings are very important to us because we do touch other communities with our donation," said Courtoreille. 

He says the decision to start giving the statues away precedes his election as mayor.

"I think receiving this chainsaw carving from Chetwynd is more than just a gift to us," said Sarrah Storey, the mayor of Fraser Lake. 

"It's challenging for a lot of communities in the region, so showcasing the importance of collaboration, I think, is truly important, and it just shows that we're all in this together." 

Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond says he's happy to have a little piece of Chetwynd in his community. 

"It's just a beautiful piece and where it sits now, there is just an incredible view out over the Prince Rupert Harbour,' he said, noting that he also enjoys travelling to Chetwynd with his grandchildren to look at the carvings. 

"I have discovered what a wonderful little community Chetwynd is, but in addition to that, I've stopped and looked and admired these incredible chainsaw carvings that are all along the street there, so to have one here is just very fulfilling." 

Courtoreille says that Chetwynd is not done giving away carvings and has a special gift planned for Williams Lake later this summer. 

He says in late July or early August, they will be gifting Williams Lake a carving of Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price. 

Price is originally from the small community of Anahim Lake, but grew up playing hockey in Williams Lake. 

"It means the whole world to me and my community," said Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor. "What could be a better honour than to have Mr. Carey Price and something hockey related?  It is a great honour. It will be a great honour." 

Rathor says he is still working out the details with city staff about where the statue will be located and when it will be unveiled, but is extremely grateful for the gift. 

This year, the 2025 Chetwynd International Chainsaw Carving Championship will take place in Chetwynd between June 5 and 7.