PORT MOODY, B.C. -  A sawmill that has been in operation since 1905 will shut its doors, citing proportionately high munipal property taxes.

 

Flavelle sawmill owner Surinder Ghog told the Vancouver Sun that taxes of $2.4 million in 2019 and $1.6 million in 2018 forced his hand. Ghog also cited substantial lease rate increases on the water lots it uses to store logs.

 

“It is now evident that there is no constructive path forward for this mill,” Ghog stated in a news release.

 

The company's executive VP Bruce Rose told the Sun "there is just no rationale to invest any more money in this and attempt to get any return."

 

The Flavelle mill has operated on a 14-hectare plot since it began 115 years ago. Around 70 employees currently work at the plant. The mill is owned by BC-based AP Group, which operates five other sawmills in British Columbia.