Interfor Indefinitely Shuts Down Grand Forks, BC, Sawmill

Interfor has indefinitely shut down operations at its Grand Forks, British Columbia, sawmill due to weak market conditions and higher US softwood lumber duties, Castlegar News reported (10-8-25).

At the October 6 City Council meeting, Mayor Everett Baker told attendees that he and Interfor management are working to mitigate the impacts and keep the public informed.

“It’s no secret Interfor has shut down its Grand Forks operations,” Baker said, adding that rumors had circulated about the reasons and duration. He said he spoke with mill manager Dave Parsons, who explained that “due to the current market conditions and another 10% duty on softwood lumber, bringing it to 45%, the mill has shut down indefinitely.”

Parsons emphasized that the move is “not a permanent closure,” but a temporary shutdown affecting both contractors and employees.