A prominent employer in the South Cariboo region of British Columbia is permanently closing its lumber mill, impacting 165 workers directly and many more indirectly. West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. announced the closure of its 100 Mile House mill due to challenges in accessing economically viable timber and struggling softwood lumber markets exacerbated by U.S. trade measures.
While the company plans to offer alternative job opportunities at other locations, approximately 165 employees at the site will be affected. However, 100 Mile House Mayor Maureen Pinkney anticipates a broader impact, estimating that around 500 indirect jobs and the entire community will be significantly affected by the closure.
The closure adds to the economic strain of the community, which has previously faced shutdowns of other major mills. Mayor Pinkney expressed concerns about families being forced to relocate and the potential impact on local infrastructure funding due to a reduced tax base.
In response to the closure, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson described it as devastating, emphasizing the widespread repercussions throughout the region. B.C. Forest Minister Ravi Parmar expressed his dismay over the decision, attributing it to U.S. trade actions targeting Canadian softwood lumber and calling for federal support to mitigate the impact on affected workers and communities.
Opposition critic Ward Stamer highlighted the decline in fibre supply as a critical issue affecting the forestry sector, urging a comprehensive review of logging policies and regulations. As the community navigates this loss, Mayor Pinkney emphasized the importance of seeking new industrial opportunities and infrastructure investments to support the region’s economic recovery.