FRASER LAKE — Forestry in Northern B.C. has been dealt another major blow, with the announcement on Monday that West Fraser Timber will permanently close its sawmill in Fraser Lake, BC, 155km west of Prince George. The community has been centered around forestry ever since the closure of the Endako Mines in 2015. For Mayor Sarrah Storey and the community, the news was gut-wrenching. “It was devastating. I think there was actually some tears shed.” The closure of the mill will impact approximately 175 employees and the Mayor said that the Village is in discussions with government and the private sector to hopefully bring some opportunities for workers. The mill is set to shut down after an orderly wind down in May 2024. “This is a difficult announcement for West Fraser as we have worked hard for many years to keep this mill in operation,” said Keith Carter, Senior VP.

In  the Prince George Citizen: Fraser Lake leaders hold emergency meeting to deal with sawmill closure