When appliances fail, life comes to a halt in many modern-day households. Food can't be prepared or cooked, laundry can't be washed or dried, and leftovers spoil because they aren't refrigerated. Due to the complex nature of home appliances, repairing them yourself isn't a good idea. It takes a professional appliance repair technician to get the job done safely. And that's where Appliance Service Plus comes in - to give hardworking folks quick, effective appliance repair services at prices that won't break the bank.
Unlike other appliance repair companies in Riverbank, our customer's needs come first before everything. We strive to keep affordability and high-quality appliance repair at the forefront of our work. We stack that with factory-trained technicians and protective warranties to provide the very best appliance repair in town.
Appliance Service Plus has provided high-quality appliance repair in Riverbank for over 50 years. With such extensive experience, there are few appliance issues we haven't seen and fixed. From basic repairs to more complicated diagnostics, our team is here to give your appliance new life, so you can get back to living yours.
Attempting to fix an appliance on your own can be costly, time-consuming, and damaging. In the end, DIY fixes are often more expensive and less effective than working with a pro. Appliance Service Plus is here to help you save time, money, and stress that come with DIY solutions. Our customers choose us because they know we'll get the job done right the first time around. At the end of the day, we want to resolve your issue quickly and effectively, saving you time, hassle, and worry.
When you hire the Appliance Service Plus team, our technicians come prepared to diagnose and repair your appliance in a professional and timely manner. We're happy to answer questions about your problem and won't quit until the problem is fixed. Our appliance repair techs are constantly learning and refining their skills. That way, they can fix any appliance you need with confidence and quality. And when it comes to customer service, we're the best in town. You can always count on your technician arriving on time and ready to work.
If you have questions or need to make an appointment, a friendly, helpful voice will always be on the other end of the phone, waiting to assist.
When we say we put our customer's needs first, we mean it. That's why we offer a 30-day warranty on labor and a 90-day warranty on parts, giving our customers peace of mind with every appliance repair we complete.
Our Services
- Dishwasher Repair in Riverbank, CA
- Keep Dishes Fresh & Clean with Dishwasher Repair in Riverbank, CA
- Common Signs You Need Dishwasher Repair in Riverbank, CA
- Keep Food Cool and Crisp with Refrigerator Repair in Riverbank, CA
- Common Signs You Need Refrigerator Repair in Riverbank, CA
- Keep on Cooking with Stove Repair in Riverbank, CA
- Common Signs You Need Range or Stove Repair in Riverbank, CA
- Your Top Choice for Expert Appliance Repair in Riverbank, CA
Services Area
At Appliance Service Plus, we're passionate about providing personalized services and helpful advice with a friendly smile. We believe our commitment to quality distinguishes us from the crowd. When your appliances fail, we're here when you need us the most.
Whether you need washer repair, stove repair, or anything in between, our process is simple and streamlined:

Schedule your service call
We work with your busy schedule to get you the service you need.

Technician Diagnoses
Your factory-trained technician will travel to your location and diagnose your appliance problem.

Quote & Repair
We'll itemize the time and parts necessary to get your appliance back in action and get it repaired ASAP.
We support all major brands and appliances, handling extended service warranty agreements for Lowe's, Home Depot, and other major brands. When you contact us, we strive to provide an engaging, positive experience. It all begins with a friendly smile from our office staff and hard work from our licensed and insured technicians.
Here are just a few of the most common appliance problems we solve every day:
Keep Dishes Fresh & Clean with Dishwasher Repair in Riverbank, CA
If you've got a gray hair or two, you may remember when washing dishes by hand was the only option. It was a long, involved process that took lots of time. Today, most families use their dishwasher to do the cleaning for them. Dishwashers are a huge boon for working families and save us all time that we can dedicate to our loved ones. Despite improvements in technology, it's common for dishwashers to break down or fail without notice.
When your dishwasher is on the fritz, it becomes a huge inconvenience, causing you to carve out time to handwash and dry your family's dishes. Because of their finicky nature, there could be several reasons why your dishwasher isn't performing, from leaks to unusually long wash cycles.
Regardless of the problem you have, our dishwasher repair technicians will diagnose your issue quickly and give you a fair estimate on repairs. That way, you don't have to waste time handwashing dishes when you already have a lot on your plate.
With years of factory training on many mainstream brands, makes, and models, there's no dishwasher repair situation we can't handle.

Common Signs You Need Dishwasher Repair in Riverbank, CA
Curious when you might need to call Appliance Service Plus to diagnose your dishwasher malfunction? Keep an eye out for the following signs:

Clean Dishes Are Cool to Touch After Removing: For dishes to be germ-free and clean, you need hot, soapy water for washing. The FDA recommends using water that is approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be uncomfortable for handwashing but perfect for dishwashers. If you find that your dishes come out cold and clammy instead of hot and steamy, your dishwasher might need a new heating coil.

Dishwasher Isn't Draining Correctly: You'll know quickly if your dishwasher isn't draining properly because there will be a pool of water under your machine. If you're dealing with drainage problems, it could be due to a clogged drainage system or non-functioning pump.

Your Dishwasher is Leaking: This common problem can be caused by a damaged door gasket, loose valve, leaky dishwasher tub, or another issue. If you notice or hear signs of leaking, call our office ASAP.
Keep Food Cool and Crisp with Refrigerator Repair in Riverbank, CA
Your refrigerator is easily one of the most important appliances in your kitchen - not just for convenience but for food safety as well. Without it, our food would spoil, and we would have to spend much more money on groceries.
At Appliance Service Plus, we know how crucial it is to have a fully-functioning refrigerator for day-to-day life. When your fridge decides to quit working, you need a trustworthy appliance repair company in Riverbank for a quick fix. We know that a refrigerator or freezer breakdown is never convenient. For most families, it is the epitome of stress and hassle.
Fortunately, our team of expert fridge repair technicians is here to step in so you can get back to a normal life. Like all our appliance repair services, it's our goal to give you A++ service. We will offer you an honest, fair estimate on your dishwasher repair. Once we know the scope of repair work, your technician will get to work with laser focus, making for a quick yet effective fix.

Like dishwashers, refrigerator repairs are one of our most-requested repair services. If you're unsure if your refrigerator needs repairs, keep an eye out for these warning signs:
Common Signs You Need Refrigerator Repair in Riverbank, CA

Spoiled Food: The whole point of putting your food in the refrigerator is so it doesn't spoil. So, if you notice your food spoiling prematurely, it's a telltale sign you need appliance repair for your refrigerator. Due to the nature of these repairs, it's important to hire a licensed repair technician from Appliance Service Plus to repair the root cause of your problem.

Loud Humming and Vibrating Noises: Low-level vibrating and humming sounds are not uncommon for refrigerators. Despite popular belief, these noises are a normal part of its operation. However, these noises should not be very loud. If you hear unusually noisy knocking, vibrating, or humming, you could have a problem on your hands. Whether it's a faulty compressor or a blocked condenser fan, our team will diagnose the problem and get to work on a long-term fix.

Water on Floor Underneath Fridge: Finding a pool of water under your fridge is a big problem. Not just for the health of your appliance, but for water leaking into your home. Typically, leaks are caused by trapped condensation due to clogged hoses or pipes. You'll need an experienced refrigerator repair tech in Riverbank to clear blockages and ultimately solve your leaky fridge issue.
Keep on Cooking with Stove Repair in Riverbank, CA
Like your dishwasher and refrigerator, your stove and range are appliances you need to work, every day. From home-cooked meals on weeknights to large holiday feasts, family bonding time at the dinner table begins and ends with your stove. But just like with any home appliances, stoves aren't exempt from wear and tear. At some point, your stove will show signs of damage and will eventually break down. When ranges and stoves are out of order, it can create chaos in your household, making you resort to unhealthy takeout or fast food.
And while you might be tempted to try a DIY fix on your stove, these devices can be dangerous to fix without training. To make matters more difficult, doing the research and ordering the parts can be time-intensive. If you don't know the correct part or how to install it, you could end up with more damage than you expected. That's where our factory-trained stove repair technicians jump in to help.
If your gas or electric stove needs repairing, give us a call. Let us help you replace those oven coils, burners, and sensors, so you don't end up in the hospital. Before you know it, you'll have a normal, fully-functional kitchen back in place.

Not sure if you need to call in the pros? Check regularly for these red flags.
Common Signs You Need Range or Stove Repair in Riverbank, CA

Stove Door Won't Close: It might seem minor on the surface, but when your stove door doesn't close, you can't cook your food. Chances are you need a licensed stove repair technician to refit or replace the hinges on the door, so you can keep churning out casseroles.Unusual Cooking Times

Unusual Cooking Times: Are your grandma's time-tested recipes coming out undercooked? Have you had to change cooking times because your stove is acting up? Unusual differences in cooking times are signs that your stove needs professional appliance repair.Electrical Problems

Electrical Problems: If you have an electric stove and notice that it cuts off during cooking or won't turn on at all, it's probably due for repair. Like gas, electrical problems are best remedied by professionals, like those you'll find at Appliance Service Plus.nine
Your Top Choice for Expert Appliance Repair in Riverbank, CA
Whatever appliance repair issue you're stressed over, there's no problem too big or small for our team to handle. At Appliance Service Plus, we offer a total package of quality service, fair prices, friendly customer service, and effective fixes. Unlike some appliance companies in Riverbank, our technicians are trained rigorously and undergo extensive background checks. We work with all major appliances and are capable of GE appliance repair, Maytag appliance repair, Frigidaire appliance repair, and more.
New and repeat customers choose Appliance Repair Plus because we offer:
- Over 50 Years of Combined Appliance Repair Experience
- Quick Service and Effective Results
- Warranties on Parts and Labor
- Friendly, Helpful Customer Service
- Licensed & Insured Work
- Vetted, Tested, Factory Trained Technicians
- Contact Us
- Mobile Service. We Come Right to Your Front Door!
Whether you need an emergency repair for your clothes washer or need routine maintenance for your dishwasher, we're here to exceed your expectations - no if's, and's, or but's.

Contact Us
Latest News in Riverbank, CA
Get Outside To Make A Difference For California
theriverbanknews.comhttps://www.theriverbanknews.com/sports/get-outside-make-difference-california/
The ninth annual California Invasive Species Action Week (CISAW) is underway, running from Saturday, June 4 through Sunday, June 12, 2022. Sponsored by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), this week provides an opportunity for Californians to learn about the hundreds of harmful non-native plants and animals that threaten our state’s natural resources, ecology and economy.Historically, agencies, non-profits and volunteer organizations across the state have teamed up to host events for CISAW. As the COVID-19 pand...
The ninth annual California Invasive Species Action Week (CISAW) is underway, running from Saturday, June 4 through Sunday, June 12, 2022. Sponsored by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), this week provides an opportunity for Californians to learn about the hundreds of harmful non-native plants and animals that threaten our state’s natural resources, ecology and economy.
Historically, agencies, non-profits and volunteer organizations across the state have teamed up to host events for CISAW. As the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the format now includes both in-person and virtual events such as webinars and videos. Volunteer opportunities can be found in all parts of the state, such as:
• Attend a habitat restoration event at Trinidad State Beach near Humboldt where volunteers will pitch in to pull up ivy and other invasive non-native species.
• Join Friends of Five Creeks in Berkeley in their efforts to eradicate invasive foxtails from near Codornices Creek.
• Protect the American River Parkway in Sacramento by removing broom with the American River Parkway Foundation.
• Help protect and restore coastal dune and bluff scrub habitats at Half Moon Bay State Beach by assisting with the removal of invasive cape ivy, mustard, thistles and hemlock from coastal scrub areas.
• Be a “Weed Warrior” at Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, by assisting with efforts to remove non-native grasses and other invasive plants from the landscape.
Get details for these events and find many more by visiting the CISAW schedule on CDFW’s website.
You can also watch webinars and learn about how you can stop the spread of invasive species by taking small, everyday actions, such as landscaping with native plants, not releasing unwanted pets into the wild, reporting invasive species findings, and cleaning, draining and drying gear when recreating in bodies of water. The CISAW website lists simple actions Californians can take all year long while visiting natural areas, boating or fishing, or at home. Join the Digital Scavenger Hunt and track invasive species in your local neighborhood or park.
On Friday, June 10, CDFW will announce the winners of the annual California Invasive Species Youth Art Contest on social media. This year’s theme was “Unite to Fight Invasive Species!”
The mission of CDFW’s Invasive Species Program is to reduce the impacts of invasive species on the wildlands and waterways of California. The program is involved in efforts to prevent the introduction of these species into the state, detect and respond to introductions when they occur and prevent the spread of those species that have established. For questions or more information about CISAW, contact invasives@wildlife.ca.gov.
Still no date for Valley Line LRT opening as testing continues
Edmontonhttps://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/still-no-date-for-valley-line-lrt-opening-as-testing-continues-1.5959015
The trains are occasionally running from Mill Woods to downtown on Edmonton's new Valley Line, but there's still no passengers on them.Testing continues on the $1.8-billion line that was expected to open in "summer of 2022," but there's still no date for a grand opening or a first commute."It’s this summer. We’ll give you a firm date as soon as we get close. We’re not far from being able to do that," TransEd spokesperson Dallas Lindskoog said Wednesday.Before the line can welcome pas...
The trains are occasionally running from Mill Woods to downtown on Edmonton's new Valley Line, but there's still no passengers on them.
Testing continues on the $1.8-billion line that was expected to open in "summer of 2022," but there's still no date for a grand opening or a first commute.
"It’s this summer. We’ll give you a firm date as soon as we get close. We’re not far from being able to do that," TransEd spokesperson Dallas Lindskoog said Wednesday.
Before the line can welcome passengers, engineers have to test all 47 intersections along the 13-kilometre route.
RELATED STORIES
"Right now we’ve got five of them fully online, we could have a couple more within the next few days," Lindskoog said.
Construction started in the spring of 2016. The original target was the end of 2020.
Since then, the opening has been pushed back repeatedly, with 2021, then the end of 2021 and then the first quarter of 2022 all promised by TransEd officials.
All of the delays will mean businesses in a Strathearn stripmall along the tracks won’t see the benefits they hoped the train would bring.
"(They've) been testing some trains, haven’t seen anybody on them yet," said Kenny Dario on Wednesday. He owns Juniper Bistro on 95 Avenue and 87 Street.
After years of construction and closed roads, stripmall owner Nearctic is redeveloping the property and some neighbouring walk-ups. Dario has to be out by October, shortly after the train is set to run at full steam.
"No, I'm not really that excited about it. You know, I really think it’s taken a back seat to the pandemic, and now the information that we have to close," he said.
The missed deadlines were mainly caused by the pandemic and the discovery of a concrete mass in the riverbank that delayed work on the Tawatinâ Bridge, Lindskoog said.
He assures that the signalling problems that plagued the Metro Line to NAIT and MacEwan are not to blame for slowing progress on the Valley Line.
"It’s a different system altogether, it’s important to understand it’s not integrated with the existing Capital Line or the Metro Line, which makes it somewhat more simple," he explained.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jeremy Thompson
Brian Thomas Isaac, Selina Boan and Aimée Craft among winners for 2022 Indigenous Voices Awards
CBC Bookshttps://www.cbc.ca/books/brian-thomas-isaac-selina-boan-and-aim%C3%A9e-craft-among-winners-for-2022-indigenous-voices-awards-1.6497188
Brian Thomas Isaac, Selina Boan and Aimée Craft are among the winners for the 2022 Indigenous Voices Awards (IVAs).Now in its fifth year, the annual awards honour works by emerging Indigenous writers in Canada across nine categories in English, French and Indigenous languages.This year's winners received a total of $34,000. Since the inception of the prize, the IVAs has awarded $143,000 to emerging Indigenous writers.This year the IVAs also partnered with the Blue Metropolis Festival to award the $5,000 Blue Metro...
Brian Thomas Isaac, Selina Boan and Aimée Craft are among the winners for the 2022 Indigenous Voices Awards (IVAs).
Now in its fifth year, the annual awards honour works by emerging Indigenous writers in Canada across nine categories in English, French and Indigenous languages.
This year's winners received a total of $34,000. Since the inception of the prize, the IVAs has awarded $143,000 to emerging Indigenous writers.
This year the IVAs also partnered with the Blue Metropolis Festival to award the $5,000 Blue Metropolis First Peoples Prize to Haisla/Heiltsuk author Eden Robinson.
Thomas Isaac won the $5,000 published prose in English fiction category for All the Quiet Places.
Longlisted for Canada Reads 2022, the story follows six-year-old Eddie as he grows up on the Okanagan Indian Reserve in B.C. in the 1950s and faces tragedy as he navigates his culture and the landscape.
Thomas Isaac was born on the Okanagan Indian Reserve, in south central B.C. All the Quiet Places is his first book.
"All the Quiet Places is a haunting coming-of-age story. The power of Isaac's vision of young Eddie Toma growing up on an Okanagan reserve in the 1950s is the novel's unflinching gaze, meticulous detailing, and fierce attachment to family, land, and love," the jury said in a citation.
Undoing Hours by Boan won the $5,000 published poetry in English category.
Boan's Undoing Hours explores the connection between language and power, as Boan reflects on her upbringing as a white settler and urban nehiyaw woman.
Vancouver-based Boan is a poetry editor for CV2 and Rahila's Ghost Press. She was a finalist for the 2020 CBC Poetry Prize and her work has been included in Best Canadian Poetry 2018 and 2020. Undoing Hours also won a 2022 League of Canadian Poets award.
"A remarkable debut that thinks through ideas of home and belonging and language. These are pieces that linger on memory and image," the jury said in a citation.
Craft won the $5,000 published graphic novels, comics and illustrated books category.
Treaty Words is a book for ages 10 and up about the importance of understanding an Indigenous perspective on treaties. The book looks at the first treaty, the one between the earth and the sky. Sitting on the riverbank, a man sits with his granddaughter to teach her the power of silence in nature — so that she might learn her standing in the world.
Craft is an Anishinaabe-Métis lawyer and author from Treaty 1 territory in Manitoba. She is an associate professor at University of Ottawa and a leading researcher on Indigenous laws, treaties and water.
Here is the complete list of winners:
This year's jury includes award-winning writers and scholars Jordan Abel, Joanne Arnott, Carleigh Baker, Warren Cariou, J.D. Kurtness, Francis Langevin, Gabrielle L'Hirondelle Hill, Otoniya Juliane Okot Bitek, Eden Robinson, June Scudeler, Richard Van Camp and Eldon Yellowhorn.
Past Indigenous Voices Awards recipients include Billy-Ray Belcourt, jaye simpson, Tanya Tagaq and Jesse Thistle.
The awards are supported by Pamela Dillon, Penguin Random House Canada, the Giller Foundation and the Indigenous Literary Studies Association, as well as Scholastic Canada, the Centre for Equitable Library Access and public crowdfunding.
Fort Simpson considers restricting vehicle access to Mackenzie Drive due to rapid erosion
Luke Carrollhttps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/fort-simpson-restricting-access-erosion-1.6486336
Road recently turned into a one-way, but a resident worries more needs to be done for safetyThe mayor of Fort Simpson said there will be discussion on whether further vehicle restrictions are needed on Mackenzie Drive as the riverbank continues to rapidly erode.The road was already turned into a one-way after last year's spring flooding, but Mayor Sean Whelly said there will be considerations on if it should be limited to local traffic only.Drone shots show large chunks of ground collapsing at the edge of the bank, and...
Road recently turned into a one-way, but a resident worries more needs to be done for safety
The mayor of Fort Simpson said there will be discussion on whether further vehicle restrictions are needed on Mackenzie Drive as the riverbank continues to rapidly erode.
The road was already turned into a one-way after last year's spring flooding, but Mayor Sean Whelly said there will be considerations on if it should be limited to local traffic only.
Drone shots show large chunks of ground collapsing at the edge of the bank, and in some areas the collapse is so far inland that the road is turning into the river escarpment. This stretch of erosion goes from the health centre to the N.W.T. Power Corporation building, a distance of about 500 metres.
The drone images were captured by Brandon Buggins, a resident and council member of ?????dl???? K???? First Nation.
"Since the flood last year, the 2021 flood, a lot of the riverbank has seen a significant change of pace," he said.
Buggins said as a resident, he is concerned for the safety of his community.
The erosion has changed the bank from a natural slope to a nearly straight drop into the swelling Mackenzie River, he said.
There's also undercutting, meaning the ground below the edge is disappearing but it isn't visible from those looking toward the river from Mackenzie Drive. This can be dangerous as people will walk to the edge to check out the bank, not knowing the ground below them is unstable, Buggins said.
"It is a huge concern, especially for the safety of a lot of our members here within our community," he said.
Buggins said he plans to bring the subject up at the next band council meeting on Tuesday.
He said he thinks the road should be limited to local traffic only.
'This is not cheap': mayor
Sean Whelly, Fort Simpson's mayor, said the erosion has been an ongoing concern, but is rapidly becoming worse.
"Probably seeing more big chunks coming off the bank than we've seen in quite a few years. I think it's probably because we've had so much high water over the last year," he said.
When the road was turned into a one-way, cement blocks were placed along the edge to prevent any vehicles from getting too close.
"I noticed even some of the cement blocks that were used to kind of mark off the edge of where the safe zone is, they've started to peel off the bank and go down into the river themselves," Whelly said.
He said the power corporation, which is near the eroding bank, is considering moving to higher ground.
But Whelly said there are other risks to key infrastructure, including the water intake line that runs along Mackenzie Drive to the water treatment plant.
He said there's fear that erosion could damage that intake line and cut off the community's access to water.
Whelly said that rerouting the water intake supply will likely be a part of next summer's capital plan.
But that is only the beginning of what will need to happen to prevent erosion — and flooding — from damaging the island that makes up most of the community.
"I don't think we can stop nature, we're going to just have to mitigate what we've got here," Whelly said.
"See this where the big money starts to happen because you start moving big infrastructure away from the river bank. This is not cheap."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Luke Carroll is a journalist with CBC North who has worked in both print and radio in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario. Luke is originally from Brockville, Ont., and moved to Yellowknife in May 2020. He can be reached at luke.carroll@cbc.ca.
29 million trees planted in 2021 under Canada's '2 billion trees' target
Stefan Labbéhttps://www.alaskahighwaynews.ca/highlights/29-million-trees-planted-in-2021-under-canadas-2-billion-trees-target-5506888
Vancouver Island First Nations were among the first to plant trees under the federal plan to plant two billion trees by 2030. They are still waiting for longer-term commitments.The Canadian government’s plan to plant two billion trees by 2030 is largely on track after 97 per cent of the 30 million trees slated for planting in 2021 made it into the ground.The tree planting program is designed to boost the natural environment’s ability to absorb atmospheric carbon, thereby fighting the climate crisis, while trying to ...
Vancouver Island First Nations were among the first to plant trees under the federal plan to plant two billion trees by 2030. They are still waiting for longer-term commitments.
The Canadian government’s plan to plant two billion trees by 2030 is largely on track after 97 per cent of the 30 million trees slated for planting in 2021 made it into the ground.
The tree planting program is designed to boost the natural environment’s ability to absorb atmospheric carbon, thereby fighting the climate crisis, while trying to slow biodiversity loss across the country.
In areas near human settlement, the trees could also act as buffers against extreme heat and cold, filter water and help reduce peak flood levels.
Last year, 29 million trees of 150 different species were planted at more than 500 locations across Canada.
In a prepared statement, Minister of Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson said the government is “on track to plant two billion trees over the course of 10 years.”
In announcing the numbers, the ministry pointed to the planting of 51,070 new saplings along the banks of the Hi?syaq?is (Tranquil Creek) and Atleo rivers in British Columbia. The saplings are meant to help recover the two watersheds and restore critical spawning grounds for endangered chinook and chum salmon, while offering employment for the Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations.
Roughly 20 kilometres east of Tofino in Clayquot Sound, Hi?syaq?is has seen a sharp decline in wild Pacific salmonids since the 1970s. While it’s estimated to be able to support up to 3,000 returning adult chinook and up to 25,000 adult chum, in 2018, only 59 chinook and 2,672 chum returned,
The Redd Fish Restoration Society, which oversaw the tree planting effort, says much of the declines are due to industrial scale logging, which began in the two watersheds in the 1960s.
“They historically logged right up to the riverbank,” said Mandala Smulders, the society's director of operations.
That’s left forest stands dominated by a handful of species and prevented the growth of important underbrush — diversity required to evolve into the old-growth stands that support a healthy river.
The society has identified a number of problems caused by logging and preventing the recovery of healthy fish populations. Those include channel instability, bank erosion, lack of habitat and limited cover overhead.
To rehabilitate the watershed, the group has engineered log jams to recreate natural pools and, with funding from the two billion tree program, has planted tens of thousands of alder and native conifers like Sitka spruce, western red cedar and fir.
“This last year, we’ve had the heaviest rainfall we’ve seen in years,” Smulders said. “The banks are eroding. There are more landslides.”
“We’re not just planting the trees, we’re able to create this watershed that’s more resistant to the impacts of climate change, such as flooding or drought.”
Similar restoration efforts have been rolled out at Alteo River, 10 kilometres northeast of Maktosis on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Located on Ahousaht First Nation territory, the river provides several kilometres of low-gradient spawning and rearing habitat for fish. Once home to five Pacific salmon species, their populations have dwindled, impacting the health of the entire surrounding ecosystem.
But it's not just about supporting fish. Smulders said the two billion tree program helped directly employ 10 staff for four months in 2021, including five from local First Nations communities.
“It’s a huge contribution,” she said. “Having long-term sustainable work out on the West Coast, particularly for people living in remote Indigenous communities, is life-changing for sure.”
Keeping that work going can be a challenge. The Redd Fish Rehabilitation Society has to clear several hectares of brush before it can plant the trees and that has required finding more money elsewhere.
So far this year, the two billion trees program received more than 200 project applications that represent several multi-year projects that if approved would plant about 425 million trees.
“These multi-year agreements will create predictable, stable, long-term demand for nurseries and others supporting the supply of seedlings, ensuring that the right tree is grown and planted in the right place,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Natural Resources in a press release.
Smulders said her restoration society has applied for long-term funding through the two billion trees program to back the planting of 200,000 trees over the next decade. If it goes through, it would be the first time the organization got long-term stability and would allow them to double staff at peak planting times.
“We put our last application in maybe five months ago and we haven’t heard anything,” Smulders said.
The federal planting targets are designed to grow significantly over the coming years. While contracts for 30 million trees were signed in 2021, its first year, in 2022 and 2023, the federal government plans to double that to 60 million trees planted annually. By 2027, the number of trees planted across Canada under the program is expected to peak at 320 million per year.
That will require ramping up contracts with tree nurseries several years in advance to ensure a steady supply of saplings.
A bigger barrier, say some B.C. tree planting companies, is labour. Earlier this year, several companies struggled to fill their tree planter quotas, a sign some say could spell trouble in the coming years.
“People just have lots of jobs. We got the positions filled but it was certainly leaner pickings,” said Jason Krueger, owner and CEO of Summit Reforestation in Smithers. “It takes a special kind of person to go out and bend over 3,500 times a day.”
Roughly 40 per cent of Summit Reforestation’s planters are hired as first-time planters every year, with about a third travelling from Ontario, 20 per cent from Alberta and another third from B.C.
All of those workers have to fly or drive out on their own dime to get to work for the season at a time when soaring inflation pushed up Canada's consumer price index 7.7 per cent in May compared to a year earlier.
In May, Statistics Canada reported the price of groceries jumped 9.7 per cent — the largest increase since September 1981 — while gasoline prices were up 36.3 per cent year over year.
In response, Krueger said he has had “to beg” clients to pay more per tree in order to keep up with the rising cost of almost everything.
“If those trends continue until next year, the fed's two billion tree program is going to be in trouble,” he said.
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