Quesnel families brace as pulp mill idles 90 workers

By Dave Branco
CKPG Today
August 13, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

QUESNEL, BC – Nearly 100 workers in Quesnel are heading into an uncertain fall after Quesnel River Pulp said it will pause operations until at least November. The shutdown affects about 90 employees and has brought back worries about the future of forestry in the Cariboo. The company says it had to make this decision because of poor market conditions. Even though the closure is supposed to be temporary, people are concerned the jobs might not come back if things don’t get better. …The mayor said the company is still paying employee benefits and letting workers use their vacation time to help them get through this. …Quesnel relies heavily on industrial taxes, and City Manager Joel McKay said forestry provides much of that revenue. …McKay said if the shutdown lasts a long time, City Hall may have to make some tough decisions. …For now, Quesnel is waiting.

Read More