CHEMAINUS, BC — Western Forest Products has notified sawmill workers at its Chemainus site of a looming shutdown. The closure begins next week and the company says it’s related to market conditions and log availablity for that mill. “Surprised, pretty short notice was an issue,” said Chris Cinkant with United Steelworkers 1-1937. The union represents the 100 impacted workers, roughly two-thirds of Western Forest Products employees in Chemainus. …The announcement comes just weeks after Western Forest Products announced the completion of its kiln upgrade at its Saltair Division. Steven Hofer, Western Forest Products CEO touted plans to invest $35 million for continuous dry kilns for its Nanaimo and Chemainus divisions as well. …Brian Menzies, with the Independent Woodprocessors Association of BC says the curtailment will also impact the value added companies that rely on that supply and their employees”.