UPDATE: Possible buyers express interest in purchasing Fort St. John, Vanderhoof sawmills from Canfor

This article has been updated to include new information from an article posted to the Times Colonist.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Canfor says there might be another path forward for its Fort St. John and Vanderhoof sawmills.

The company announced last week that it plans to close both mills by the end of the year due to significant losses and financial difficulties.

However, in a new release, the company has reiterated that it is exploring opportunities to “divest some of its northern BC tenure” to other manufacturing companies in the region.

“[Canfor] has received indications of interest from several parties and will be considering options and engaging in discussions as appropriate,” the new release says. 

“As per normal business practice, further public disclosure will follow only if and when there is a material event to disclose.”

The mill closure in Fort St. John would impact more than 200 direct jobs, as well as many more throughout the community. Between the two mills, 500 Canfor employees are expected to lose their jobs.

The announcement drew criticism and concern from figures like the Mayor and Peace River North MLA candidates.

United Steelworkers, the union representing 325 of the 500 Canfor employees at risk of losing their jobs, released a statement saying it was “devastated” to learn about the closure and expressed a commitment to holding Canfor accountable.

Canfor hasn’t announced what companies have expressed interest in buying the mills. According to an article from the Times Columnist, Brink Forest Products has expressed interest in buying the two mills, as well as other Canfor properties in Bear Lake and Houston.