Three Lakehead University forestry students in Thunder Bay took home top prizes for their craftsmanship in the second annual Wood Works Competition.
Jim Riffel, Scott Rubin and Serge Laforest were recognized by the North Bay-based wood products promotional organization for their innovative wood product designs with cash winnings amounting to $6,000.
Students are challenged to create products with the potential to expand markets for Ontario wood products.
First place winner Jim Riffel created paddles using local wood products that have undergone a special drying treatment which makes them highly aesthetic.
Scott Rubin's second place design is a 'burl' table, which provide an unusual look to the grain of wood.
Third place finisher Serge Laforest created a design for a table or shelving unit that can be expanded, the leg attachments have grooved edges for ease of assembly.
"These designs, along with the marketing plans, show the passion our students have for this great natural resource, as well as their appreciation for the beauty and functionality of wood for a huge range of products," said Dr. Mat Leitch, associate professor in Lakehead's Faculty of Forestry and the Forest Environment.
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