.jpg)
Operations at the Kruger Kamloops pulp mill in Mission Flats remain stable despite the challenging conditions currently affecting the forest industry in British Columbia. The update comes following Domtar’s announcement of the shutdown of its long-running Crofton pulp mill on Vancouver Island, a closure that will leave about 350 workers unemployed. The company cited low pulp prices and limited access to affordable fiber as the main reasons behind the decision.
Kruger, which purchased the Kamloops mill from Domtar in 2022, stated that production continues smoothly. Company spokesperson Marie-Claude Tremblay told Castanet that the mill “is operating without issues and continues to deliver quality products to its global customers.” She added that Kruger is actively investing in the facility “to support future generations” and exploring alternative solutions to secure fiber supply. The company reiterated its call for the provincial government to make fiber more economically accessible, describing it as essential for both the industry and the local community.
The Crofton closure also sparked debate in the BC Legislature. During Question Period, BC Conservative forestry critic and Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Ward Stamer criticized the NDP government for not taking stronger actions to improve fiber access, accelerate permits and reduce operational costs. “When will the minister do what everyone in this industry has been asking before another mill shuts down?” he asked.
Forests Minister Ravi Parmar pointed to economic factors such as tariffs, volatile markets and low lumber prices. He emphasized that the sector has faced boom-and-bust cycles for decades and highlighted the government’s commitment to stabilizing and transforming forestry to prevent future layoffs. Parmar expressed his sympathy for affected workers but stressed that forest industries across Canada and internationally face similar challenges.
Kruger’s Kamloops mill employs around 350 people and contributes approximately $5 million per year in municipal property taxes. The facility opened in 1965 as Kamloops Pulp and Paper Company, was acquired by Weyerhaeuser in 1971, and later sold to Domtar in 2007 before being purchased by Kruger in 2022.
