The closure of the Howe Sound Pulp and Paper mill on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast was officially announced during a recent employee town hall meeting held at the Port Mellon site on August 20. Domtar, the owning company, also confirmed the permanent closure of the Bayview Fibre chipping facility. This decision will impact approximately 400 workers at the mill.
Andrew Appleton, a long-time tugboat captain at the mill with a 22-year tenure, expressed shock at the sudden announcement. Reflecting on the situation, he mentioned that while the possibility of closure was always looming, the speed at which it occurred was unexpected. Employees at the mill were informed that their last working day would be on October 19, leading to a somber atmosphere with individuals trying to comprehend their next career moves.
In 2015, the mill had previously shut down a section of its operations, affecting up to 180 employees. Luc Thériault, Domtar’s president, explained that the closure was driven by challenges such as decreased demand from Asia, ongoing global pulp price drops, and a decline in affordable domestic fiber. Despite recognizing the efforts of the Howe Sound and Bayview Fibre teams to enhance performance, the decision to indefinitely idle these facilities was deemed necessary due to prevailing market conditions.
Thériault acknowledged the hardship this closure would cause for the affected employees, the Sunshine Coast community, and the coastal forest sector. He assured that the business would monitor market conditions and evaluate future opportunities if circumstances improve. Appleton, contemplating his future job prospects, mentioned that with his marine license, he might seek employment on ferries.
Additionally, the closure of Domtar’s Crofton mill in December had a similar impact, affecting around 350 workers. The interconnectedness of local businesses with the mill was highlighted by Appleton, who expressed concerns about the broader implications on the community’s economy. Unifor National president Lana Payne emphasized the severity of the forestry sector crisis and urged swift action from both the British Columbia and federal governments to prevent further industry collapses. She expressed disappointment over the closure and reiterated the union’s commitment to collaborating with the company and authorities to find a resolution.