B.C.'s Howe Sound Pulp and Paper announces mill operations stopping 'indefinitely'
Domtar has announced the indefinite closure of its Howe Sound Pulp and Paper mill in British Columbia, affecting 400 employees. The decision is attributed to declining global demand for pulp, poor pricing, and a lack of affordable fiber.
Why it matters
The closure represents a significant economic blow to the local Sunshine Coast community and reflects broader struggles within the global forestry and manufacturing sectors.
The announcement came during a town hall meeting for employees on Aug. 20 at the site in Port Mellon.
Domtar, the company that owns the mill, said operations at the Bayview Fibre chipping facility will also be idled.
The announcement will affect approximately 400 employees, the company says.
"We're just kind of in shock," said Andrew Appleton, a tugboat captain at the mill who has worked there for 22 years.
"It's something that, you know, I think we all thought that could happen down the road if things didn't get better."
"None of us thought it would happen so quickly.”
Appleton was at work on Thursday and said everyone was calling their families and loved ones to share the news. He was told employees' last day will be Oct. 19.
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