Canfor Announces Permanent Closure of Fox Creek Sawmill
Rubber and Wood | 2026-07-29 11:27:20
The Fox Creek mill was originally rebuilt in 2011 after a fire destroyed the previous facility in 2008.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Canfor Corporation has announced the permanent closure of its Fox Creek sawmill in Alberta. The company stated that shrinking timber supply, weak lumber market conditions, and continued trade pressures have made the facility economically unsustainable.
The company said operations at the mill are expected to end by late summer. The latest sawmill closure is expected to reduce its annual production capacity by approximately 120 million board feet.
According to Canfor, the decision follows years of mounting challenges, including persistent U.S. softwood lumber duties and tariffs, sluggish market demand, and a declining supply of fibre. The region's timber resources have been further impacted by recent wildfires and the completion of Alberta's mountain pine beetle management program.
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Canfor said it worked with Alberta's Ministry of Forestry and Parks to secure additional fibre sources to keep the mill operating. However, with the pine beetle program now concluded and most wildfire-damaged timber already harvested, the remaining fibre supply is no longer sufficient to support long-term operations.
The closure is expected to impact not only employees but also contractors and the local community. President and CEO Susan Yurkovich said the company is committed to supporting affected workers by providing employment opportunities at other Canfor facilities where possible.
The Fox Creek mill was originally rebuilt in 2011 after a fire destroyed the previous facility in 2008.
POLL
What is the primary reason behind Canfor's Fox Creek sawmill closure?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Canfor closing the Fox Creek sawmill?
The company cited insufficient timber supply, weak lumber demand, persistent U.S. trade duties, and wildfire-related fibre shortages.
- How much production capacity will the closure remove?
The closure will reduce Canfor's annual lumber production capacity by approximately 120 million board feet.
- Who will be affected by the closure?
Employees, contractors, and the local community are expected to be impacted.
