B.C. mill closures hinder reforestation efforts, with long-term consequences

By James Paracy – CTV News

B.C.’s mills have been a key driver in forest health and reforestation efforts across the province, and as they close, external funding will be required to ensure decades of forestry work don’t go to waste and become wildfire fuel, according to experts.

Canfor announced the pending closure of its pulp mill in Prince George in July, adding to a growing list of more than 20 lumber mills closed permanently or indefinitely in the province since 2023. These moves have erased thousands of mill jobs from B.C.’s economy, while creating consequential gaps in the province’s forestry sector.