Domtar has announced the indefinite cessation of operations at the Howe Sound Pulp and Paper mill on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. The company made this announcement during a town hall meeting for employees at the Port Mellon site on August 20. Additionally, operations at the Bayview Fibre chipping facility will also be halted. Approximately 400 employees will be impacted by this decision.
Andrew Appleton, a tugboat captain at the mill with 22 years of service, expressed shock at the news, stating that the closure came faster than anticipated. Employees were informed that their last working day will be on October 19, leading to a sense of uncertainty and concern among the workforce.
In 2015, a partial closure of operations at the mill affected up to 180 workers. Domtar’s president, Luc Thériault, cited reduced demand from Asia, ongoing poor pricing for pulp globally, and a decline in affordable domestic fiber as the reasons behind the decision to indefinitely idle these facilities. Thériault emphasized that this business choice was made after careful deliberation and is not a reflection on the employees’ efforts.
Acknowledging the hardship faced by the affected employees and the Sunshine Coast community, Thériault mentioned that the company would monitor market conditions and evaluate potential opportunities if circumstances improve. Appleton, contemplating his future job prospects, highlighted the ripple effects on the local economy and expressed concerns about the community’s ability to sustain heavy equipment operations in the wake of the closure.
Unifor National president Lana Payne characterized the halting of operations at Domtar’s Howe Sound mill as a sign of a deepening crisis in the forestry sector, urging immediate intervention from provincial and federal authorities. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar extended empathy to those impacted by the closure, acknowledging the challenges faced by the pulp sector due to global market shifts. Parmar affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the affected community through comprehensive initiatives encompassing income and mental health assistance.
The closure of the Howe Sound mill represents a significant blow to the local workforce and underscores the broader challenges facing the forestry industry in the region.