Tolko's four Cariboo mills go on indefinite shutdown

Erin Hitchcock - Williams Lake Tribune Published: February 03, 2009 4:00 PM

Tolko Industries Ltd. will be closing its doors at seven of its mills in B.C., including all three in Williams Lake and one in Quesnel. Curtailments at the Creekside, Lakeview Lumber, Quest Wood, and Soda Creek operations will remain in effect until the market situation allows the company to resume production. Bob Hicks, an officer with the United Steelworkers Local 1-425, says an estimated 650 workers in Williams Lake will be affected.Tolko says about 1,300 employees in total are affected by all seven curtailments.Curtailments at the Armstrong, Lavington, and High Level are scheduled to last for two weeks. All curtailments will begin Feb. 9.