Sinclar Group to Reduce Production at Its Three BC Sawmills by 40%

On Thursday, Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd. announced that it will implement a significant production reduction across its three British Columbia sawmills—Apollo Forest Products in Fort St. James, Nechako Lumber Co. in Vanderhoof, and Lakeland Mills in Prince George—effective Monday, October 27.

Each facility will reduce output by about 40%, a move the company said is equivalent to the closure of one full mill. Sinclar cited unsustainable provincial policy conditions, continued uncertainty around fiber supply, and deepening economic pressures, compounded by duties and tariffs on Canadian lumber entering the US.

“The decision to curtail operations deeply affects our employees, their families, and the communities we serve,” said Sinclar President Greg Stewart. “The challenges facing the forest industry in British Columbia are significant and compounding. We must take action to sustain our operations.”

Stewart called for coordinated efforts among provincial and federal governments, First Nation titleholders, and industry partners to address the systemic challenges threatening the sector.