VANCOUVER, BC – After thorough analysis of the persistent shortage of economically available timber and challenging operating conditions in northern BC, Canfor Corporation announced the permanent closure of its Polar sawmill in Bear Lake, BC and the suspension of its planned reinvestment in Houston, BC. This follows the announcement by our subsidiary company, Canfor Pulp, that one line of production will be indefinitely curtailed at the Northwood Pulp Mill. The Polar sawmill has been curtailed since January 2024. The permanent closure will impact approximately 180 employees. CEO Don Kayne said, “The ability to reliably access enough economic timber to run our manufacturing facilities is critical for our business. Unfortunately, while our province has a sufficient supply of timber available… the actual harvest level has declined dramatically in recent years. While this decline is partly the result of natural disturbances  it is also the result of the cumulative impact of policy changes and increased regulatory complexity.