Steam kept pouring from the Crofton mill Monday, after Domtar issued a surprise extension that will keep the 68-year-old pulp mill running through the Christmas holidays. The 350 laid-off workers were expected to stop production at the mill and begin shutting it down on Monday (Dec. 15), but instead Domtar stated that production will now continue until January 4. …“This provides our employees with a continued schedule throughout the holiday season and our suppliers a few additional weeks to provide services to the mill,” stated Domtar’s Senior Director of Public Affairs Chris Stoicheff. …According to North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas, the District of North Cowichan is still crunching the numbers regarding the impact of the closure of the mill, on upcoming 2026 property taxes. …For now though, the priority of officials is supporting laid-off workers, and getting new programs and training in place quickly.