The Municipality of North Cowichan says it is preparing for the possibility of another mill closure in Chemainus, while hoping it can be avoided.
Western Forest Products announced Friday it is extending curtailment at the Chemainus sawmill, affecting about 150 workers. Mayor Rob Douglas said the priority is protecting jobs and preparing for potential financial impacts.
“We’re going to be looking at impacts on our tax base, especially with the municipality already seeing the effects of the Crofton mill closure this year,” Douglas said. “We’ll prepare for the potential closure of the Chemainus mill in 2027.”
Douglas said a permanent closure in Chemainus would affect future finances, but not to the same extent as the Crofton mill shutdown
“Western Forest Products has three sites, and with two of them operating that will continue to provide a significant portion of our industrial tax revenue,” he said. “Even if the Chemainus mill is shut down, the company would continue to pay municipal property taxes, but a full closure would need to be addressed in 2027.”
Douglas said the issue is a top priority for the municipality and it will work with the province and the federal government to ensure supports are in place if a closure occurs.
Cowichan—Malahat—Langford MP Jeff Kibble said he agrees with Douglas and will advocate alongside the municipality to support workers, local government and the forestry sector.
“We’ve seen 31 mills in B.C. close, including the Crofton mill and one in Port Alice,” Kibble said. “Without support for the industry, tariff negotiations and access to new markets, the sector will fail.”
Mills in Crofton and Port McNiell, both mills saying the inability to find viable materials is the cause of the closure.
