Canfor to permanently close Isle Pierre Mill; announce production curtailment at PG Pulp and Paper

PRINCE GEORGE — Tough news for the forestry sector as Canfor has announced the permanent closure of its Isle Pierre sawmill near Prince George.

The company says the closure will take effect in the third quarter of 2020 following an orderly wind down of operations.

“The closure is a result of an insufficient supply of economically viable timber following the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic, coupled with the major global economic downturn as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Canfor in a statement.

“Unfortunately, the ongoing economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the urgent need for Canfor to make this difficult decision,” says President and CEO Don Kayne. “We know today’s announcement will have a significant impact on our employees, their families and the local communities, which we deeply regret. We will work hard to redeploy as many employees as possible to other opportunities throughout the company.”