Valemount Industrial Park Sawmill in BC Faces Log Shortage and Possible Curtailment

The Valemount Industrial Park sawmill, part of Valemount Community Forest Ltd. in Valemount, BC, is facing a critical log shortage and has no new logging contracts, The Rocky Mountain Goat reported (8-5-26). The mill has been producing cants of various sizes and lengths since 2022.

During a July 29 board discussion, members were told the mill had approximately 15–20 operating days of logs remaining. The board estimated the supply would last about 18 days, or until August 16, giving the mill a limited window to complete remaining orders and assess whether its lumber operation is profitable.

The log shortage has already resulted in layoffs. The mill typically employs seven full-time workers, plus a manager and bookkeeper, but five employees remain. Operating costs are estimated at just under CA$600 per hour, while an hourly revenue figure was not provided.

Board members also questioned whether lease revenue from the surrounding industrial property is effectively subsidizing sawmill operations. The board agreed to revisit the issue after the remaining logs are processed.

Without a new source of fiber, the board may need to decide whether to curtail operations, reduce costs and wait for market conditions to change, or continue operating the mill with support from Industrial Park lease revenue.