SECHELT, B.C. — Drought conditions gripping southern British Columbia can now be blamed for costing at least 130 jobs.
The Howe Sound Pulp and Paper Mill, on the Sunshine Coast north of Vancouver, has announced it will close its paper production operations, affecting between 130 and 180 workers.
Parent company Paper Excellence says timing of the closure was forced, in part, by dropping levels of water in Lake Seven, which feeds the mill's paper, pulp and power operations.
Officials hope that by ending paper production, there will be enough water available to sustain the mill's pulp and power operations.
Vice President David Kerr says the decision was difficult but the company believes Howe Sound's Kraft pulp and power generating arms will now become stronger and more sustainable.
About 335 people work at the mill's Kraft operation, while Howe Sound has an electricity supply contract with BC Hydro, and received millions in government funding to get into electricity generation. (CKAY)
