Millar Western Indefinitely Shuts B.C. Pulp Mill, 90 Jobs at Risk

Millar Western has announced an indefinite curtailment of its Quesnel River Pulp mill in British Columbia, affecting approximately 90 workers. Weak pulp markets and uncertainty over affordable fibre supplies are delaying a restart.

Summary

Millar Western Announces Indefinite Shutdown of Quesnel River Pulp Mill
Canadian forest products company Millar Western Forest Products has decided to indefinitely suspend operations at its Quesnel River Pulp mill in British Columbia. The facility, with an annual softwood pulp production capacity of 375,000 tonnes, has remained idle since September 4, with approximately 90 jobs potentially affected.
Market Conditions and Fibre Supply Constraints Drive Decision
The company cited unfavourable market conditions and difficulties securing economically viable fibre supplies as the main reasons behind the decision. Despite considering several alternatives, management concluded that an indefinite curtailment was the only commercially viable option under current circumstances.
Shutdown Adds to Growing Pressure on British Columbia's Pulp Industry
Millar Western will gradually wind down remaining operations while retaining the possibility of restarting the facility if market conditions improve. The decision follows similar shutdowns at Canfor's Northwood and Domtar's Howe Sound facilities, highlighting the mounting challenges facing the province's pulp manufacturing sector.

Millar Western Indefinitely Shuts B.C. Pulp Mill, Putting 90 Jobs at Risk

Millar Western has indefinitely suspended operations at its Quesnel River Pulp mill in British Columbia, citing weak market conditions and uncertainty over economically viable fibre supplies. Approximately 90 workers have been affected.

Key Points

Indefinite curtailment: The Quesnel River Pulp mill has been idle since September 4, 2026.
Employment impact: Approximately 90 workers are affected, with severance and other assistance planned.
Production capacity: The facility can produce approximately 375,000 air-dried metric tonnes of softwood pulp annually.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Canadian forest products manufacturer Millar Western Forest Products has announced an indefinite curtailment of operations at its Quesnel River Pulp mill in British Columbia, following a prolonged shutdown that began in September.

The facility, which has an annual production capacity of approximately 375,000 air-dried metric tonnes of softwood pulp, has remained idle since September 4. An initial November 1 restart target was subsequently postponed to December 1 before management decided against resuming operations under current market conditions.

In a November 9 letter to employees, Executive Chair and CEO Karl Meyers said the company had reviewed its alternatives and concluded that an indefinite curtailment was the only commercially viable option.

Approximately 90 Workers Affected by Shutdown

The decision affects approximately 90 workers previously impacted by the temporary shutdown. Millar Western plans to provide severance compensation, continuation of certain benefits and employee assistance resources.

The company will also consider displaced employees for available positions at its other operations.

Remaining activities will be wound down over the coming weeks, although the company intends to preserve the possibility of restarting the facility. Its effluent treatment system will continue operating for up to 12 months or until an acceptable alternative arrangement is reached.

SCRAPMONSTER EDGE | CANADIAN FORESTRY INDUSTRY

Another Major Loss for B.C.'s Pulp Industry

The Quesnel curtailment follows Canfor's decision to permanently close its Northwood pulp mill, removing approximately 300,000 tonnes of annual production capacity, and Domtar's indefinite shutdown of its Howe Sound facility.

Together, the announcements highlight continuing pressure from weak pulp prices and limited access to economically viable wood fibre.

Industry takeaway: A recovery in pulp prices alone may not be sufficient to restore production. Reliable fibre supply, operating costs and export-market conditions will remain critical factors in determining whether curtailed mills can restart.

Local Economy Faces Further Pressure

The shutdown represents another setback for Quesnel, where forestry operations support contractors, transportation companies and other local businesses.

British Columbia premier-designate Lorne Doerkson described the announcement as a serious blow to workers and their families, while acknowledging that restoring operations would require addressing underlying fibre supply challenges.

Millar Western, owned by U.S.-based Atlas Holdings, operates three pulp mills in British Columbia and Alberta, with combined annual capacity of approximately one million tonnes.

The company has not confirmed when operations at Quesnel River Pulp might resume. Any restart will depend on market recovery and access to economically viable fibre supplies.

Also Read

Ontario Provides C$5.1 Million Boost for Espanola Pulp Mill Restart

Canfor to Shut Northwood Pulp Mill, 300 Jobs at Risk

Sources: Lesprom, November 11, 2026; The Canadian Press, November 9, 2026.

POLL

What is the primary reason behind Millar Western's decision to indefinitely suspend its Quesnel River Pulp mill operations?

Shortage of skilled workers

Challenging market conditions and uneconomical fibre supplies

Government restrictions on softwood pulp production

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Millar Western indefinitely suspending operations at its Quesnel River Pulp mill?

Millar Western cited challenging market conditions and limited access to economically viable fibre supplies as the primary reasons for the indefinite suspension. The company stated that it had evaluated all possible alternatives but determined that continuing operations under the prevailing conditions was not commercially viable.

How many jobs could be affected by the Quesnel River Pulp mill shutdown?

Approximately 90 jobs are potentially at risk following the indefinite curtailment. Millar Western has committed to providing affected employees with severance payments, continued benefits and employment assistance. It will also explore opportunities for transferring employees to vacancies at its other facilities.

How does the shutdown reflect the broader challenges facing British Columbia's pulp industry?

The indefinite suspension adds to a series of operational setbacks across British Columbia's pulp sector. Similar shutdowns at Canfor's Northwood and Domtar's Howe Sound facilities indicate growing pressure on regional pulp producers amid difficult market conditions and fibre supply constraints. Millar Western's decision further highlights the challenges facing the province's forest products industry.