Vanderhoof Mayor Kevin Moutray says longer-term financial impacts of the Canfor Plateau Mill closure are now becoming evident.
Canfor announced the closure of the mill in September 2024, along with the Fort St. John sawmill. At that time it was estimated 500 jobs were impacted between the two mills, with 670 million board feet of annual production capacity removed from the company’s BC operations.
According to a statement from Moutray posted on the District website, the closure is also expected to result in a “substantial reduction in District revenue for 2026.”
“Estimates indicate an approximate annual revenue impact of $580,000.00 equivalent to 11% of our taxation,” Moutray said.
“District staff are actively assessing both the short- and long-term financial implications of this revenue loss and are exploring a range of measures to help mitigate its impact. A key priority is to minimize the increase in taxation for residents and businesses, while continuing to fund the essential operational activities and core services the community relies upon. Services such as infrastructure maintenance, public safety, utilities, and administrative operations remain critical to the health, safety, and overall functionality of the District of Vanderhoof.”
The District says it will continue to monitor the situation closely, and will keep the community informed as more information becomes available.
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