Canadian Forest Products Ltd. (Canfor) is scaling back operations at its Canal Flats Mill by dropping a shift.

Village of Canal Flats Mayor Ute Juras informed fellow Regional District of East Kootenay directors this morning (Feb. 6) that Canfor had contacted her and confirmed they are drop from two to one shift because of a lack of available fibre in the region.

It is expected that 81 employees will be impacted by this move.

“It’s a bit of a blow to the community,” Juras said, noting the company told her they “will try their best to accommodate them.”

Other Canfor mills in the province are hiring and transfers may be available, Juras said, adding she commends Canfor for communicating with the village office.

“Since they purchased the mill I have worked hard to keep the lines of communications open. They gave me the heads up, true to their word. I appreciate them doing that,” she said. “At least they are not shutting down. That is the bright side of it.”

The shift change will commence May 4. Employees staying will go from four 10-hour shifts a week to one eight-hour Monday to Friday shift.

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