Town of Smithers Offers Support for Neighbouring Communities in Light of String of Northern Sawmill Closures

Officials from the Town of Smithers are offering support for their neighbours, in light of a slew of sawmill closures in the north.

Last month, Canfor announced the temporary closure of their Houston mill as part of a company-wide restructuring.

But that restructuring, which included the permanent closure of operations in Chetwynd, was only the most recent blow for northern forestry workers.

Recognizing the impact of those closures on the region, Smithers has created a local Economic Resiliency Resource Portal on their website.

On that page, linked here, locals can find information on resources and support programs related to the closures.

In addition, the Town will work with local organizations to create a community response team to address related challenges.

Over the next few weeks, they will meet with officials from Houston, local First Nations, and the Province to better understand the impacts and available supports.

Smithers Mayor Gladys Atrill says the closures speak toward the growing need for revenue sharing with local governments.

She is asking anyone with forestry related concerns to reach out to her office.