Western Forest Products Extends Chemainus, BC, Curtailment Into 2026

Western Forest Products (WFP) will extend the temporary curtailment at its Chemainus, BC, sawmill into the new year, while work slowdowns are planned at its other Vancouver Island mills in December, CHEK News reported (12-5-25). WFP said the curtailment would continue into January “as we review timing for a restart.”

Babita Khunkhun, Senior Director of Communications at WFP, said, “In the latter half of December, we will take temporary downtime at our Saltair mill in Ladysmith, Duke Point mill in Nanaimo, and Cowichan Bay mill in Duncan. This will involve reduced operating hours, an extended holiday break, and adjusted shift schedules.”

Khunkhun added that regular operations are expected to resume at those mills—except for Chemainus—on January 6 “depending on market conditions and available log supply.”

“We recognize the impact curtailments have on employees and our goal is to operate as consistently and sustainably as possible,” Khunkhun said. “Where possible, we have worked with employees to support temporary employment opportunities at other locations.”