VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Western Forest Products informed officials of North Cowichan, British Columbia, that the temporary closure of its Chemainus sawmill will be extended through the end of 2026.

Approximately 150 employees have been impacted since the mill’s shutdown in June 2025 due to weak market conditions including U.S. lumber tariffs and log supply challenges. The local economy has also struggled with the recent permanent closure of the Crofton pulp mill and broader challenges across British Columbia’s forest sector.

“(This) news is devastating for our community, particularly when we are still reeling from the permanent closure of the Crofton pulp mill,” said North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas. “I extend my full support to every worker and family impacted by this decision.

“Many people were holding onto hope the Chemainus mill would restart sooner,” Douglas continued. ”This extended closure prolongs uncertainty and adds stress for hundreds of households connected to the Chemainus mill. North Cowichan is pressing for immediate provincial and federal support for Chemainus sawmill workers. People need income security, retraining options, and clear pathways to new jobs. No one should be left behind.”

North Cowichan recently established the Mill Closure Response Working Group, bringing together industry, labor, and federal and provincial partners, including Western Forest Products and an impacted worker from the Chemainus sawmill. The group will be focused on supporting affected workers, mitigating risks to the municipal tax base and local economy resulting from forest-sector disruptions, and improving community preparedness and economic stability.

North Cowichan has worked with the province to convene a Community Transition Table following the Crofton mill closure. This initiative is coordinating immediate supports for impacted workers, including access to employment services, career counselling, skills training, and job matching opportunities. The municipality is now working with the province ensure these supports are extended to the Chemainus sawmill workers.