The Truck Loggers Association (TLA) is encouraged by the news that Domtar’s Howe Sound pulp mill in Port Mellon is expected to resume operations in mid-October following a planned maintenance shutdown. The mill is an important source of jobs on the Sunshine Coast and plays a significant role in the broader coastal forest economy. Its operations support not only pulp mill workers and their families, but also harvesting contractors, log haulers, sawmill workers and other businesses throughout the coastal forest supply chain. “The news that Howe Sound is expected to reopen is welcome news for workers, contractors and the Sunshine Coast community,” said Bob Marquis, president of the Truck Loggers Association and third generation, Powell River contractor. “We hope the government’s recent action will help keep the mill operating for many years, stabilizing the industry, providing security for workers and moving away from boom-and-bust cycles.”

• Related by Unifor: Unifor welcomes support to save Howe Sound mill