Mayor Shane Brienen says he expects to learn more about Canfor’s plans to build a sawmill here while attending the 2024 Council of Forest Industries convention this week. The company closed its existing mill here last spring, citing its age and unprofitability, resulting in the loss of hundreds of jobs and ongoing economic uncertainty. Although Canfor announced last fall it would build a new mill to produce higher value lumber, a project that would take between 28 to 32 months, the company has been largely silent since then. But rumours have now been spreading of a delay in demolishing the old sawmill, a necessary step to allow the construction of a new facility. “I have a feeling the teardown is delayed,” said Brienen. But, added Brienen, he has not heard that Canfor is shelving its building plan. Brienen did add that the overall ongoing forest industry situation in B.C. is challenging.