Fox Creek sawmill permanently closing

Jul 29, 2026 | 12:30 PM

The Fox Creek Sawmill is closing.

Canfor Corporation announced Tuesday that the mill will be permanently closed due to multiple, ongoing challenges.

The mill has served as a single-shift operation to process available timber for Alberta’s pine beetle strategy after being rebuilt in 2011, following a 2008 fire.

Canfor is permanently closing the mill due to ongoing challenges, including prolonged weak market conditions, the end of the pine beetle strategy, and persistent high U.S. softwood lumber duties and tariffs.

“This is a difficult decision which we know will have a significant impact on our employees, their families, contractors, and the community,” said Susan Yurkovich, president and CEO, Canfor. “This decision reflects the challenges facing our operation and does not diminish the dedication and contribution of our Fox Creek team. We are committed to helping those impacted navigate the transition ahead, including seeking opportunities for impacted employees at our other operations.”

Operations at the mill are expected to conclude by late summer; the closure represents a reduction of 120 million board feet of production capacity.

by Nathaniel Leigh