Support will be extended to help an additional 150 workers, after Western Forest Products announced the Chemainus sawmill will stay closed until the end of the year.
The mill has been out of operation since 2025, and according to Western Forest Products it’s because of poor market conditions, high US lumber tariffs and log-supply conditions.
Municipality of North Cowichan’s mayor Rob Douglas said the announcement follows the closure of the Crofton mill and with the industry starting to crumble across the region it’s going to hit local communities hard.
“The news is devastating for our community,” said Douglas. “Particularly when we are still reeling from the permanent closure of the Crofton pulp mill. I extend my full support to every worker and family impacted by the decision.”
He said when the Crofton mill closed there was hope the Chemainus sawmill would remain open, but that hope is slowly slipping away.
“Many people were holding onto hope the Chemainus mill would restart sooner, but extending closure prolongs uncertainty and adds stress to hundreds connected to the Chemainus mill,” explained Douglas. “North Cowichan is pressing for immediate provincial and federal support for Chemainus sawmill workers.”
The municipality said they’ve been in constant communication to advocate for support since December to give workers and families the help they need.
“We’ve been advocating efforts focused on income and retraining support for workers, financial tools to address municipal tax shortfalls, and structural solutions to strengthen the forest sector over the long term,” the municipality said.
In a media release, the municipality said they’ll work with unions, industry partners, senior governments, and community agencies to extend support and a more stable forestry future.
