A significant employer in the South Cariboo region of British Columbia is permanently closing its lumber mill, impacting not only the 165 employees directly affected but also the broader community. West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. has announced the closure of its mill in 100 Mile House by year-end due to challenges in accessing economically viable timber, coupled with a weak market for softwood lumber and ongoing trade actions by the United States.
While the company aims to offer alternative work options at other locations, approximately 165 workers at the site will be impacted. However, Mayor Maureen Pinkney anticipates a more extensive impact, estimating that around 500 indirect jobs and the entire community will be significantly affected. The closure adds to the economic strain following the shutdown of two other major mills in 2019, leading to families having to relocate.
The closure of the mill raises concerns about the local tax base, essential for maintaining infrastructure such as water, sewer systems, and roads. Mayor Pinkney expressed sadness over the loss of a key economic pillar in the community, emphasizing the need for support for affected workers. She highlighted a handbook developed in collaboration with the province after the 2019 closures, called “The Path Forward,” to provide guidance to those facing unexpected job losses.
The shutdown has drawn reactions from officials, with Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson describing it as devastating for 100 Mile House and the wider region. B.C. Forest Minister Ravi Parmar expressed his disappointment over the decision, attributing it in part to U.S. trade actions affecting Canadian softwood lumber. He urged the federal government to fulfill its commitment to support B.C.’s forestry sector.
Opposition critic and MLA Ward Stamer raised concerns about declining fibre supply, criticizing provincial policies and regulations. The B.C. Council of Forest Industries reported a decrease in economic fibre access from 60 million cubic meters in 2018 to 35 million cubic meters in 2023, further complicating the industry’s challenges.
As the community grapples with the mill closure, Mayor Pinkney emphasized the importance of pursuing new industrial opportunities and infrastructure investments to revitalize the local economy. Discussions are ongoing at both provincial and federal levels to address the broader impacts of the closure and support the affected community moving forward.