Tolko indefinitely halts veneer production at Heffley Creek operation

Aug 19, 2026 | 3:27 PM

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Tolko Industries has indefinitely curtailed veneer production at its Heffley Creek operation, citing wildfires, drought and difficulties accessing fibre.

The company says the curtailment has no scheduled end date, with plywood and laminated veneer lumber production will continue as long as fibre supplies permit to do so.

Tolko has not yet disclosed how many employees are affected, though its full Heffley Creek operation employs approximately 250 individuals.

Kamloops North-Thompson Conservative MLA and forestry critic Ward Stamer says the weather conditions are not the industry’s only challenge.

The Creative Edge

PEARCE: Puberty, plastics and the hormones of a generation

Aug 18, 2026

Question of the Week

SHOULD THE CITY OF KAMLOOPS USE THE AAP OR A REFERENDUM TO GARNER SUPPORT FOR A NEW RCMP HEADQUARTERS?

Aug 17, 2026

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 WAYS TO HEAL: Why we serve

Aug 17, 2026

“It’s also access to economic fibre. It’s not just the impact of the wildfires and the dry conditions,” Stamer said, criticizing provincial government policies around fibre access.

With lumber and plywood prices remaining low, Stamer cautioned that other B.C. producers could soon too, face similar decisions.

“Ultimately, you’re only going to sell for a loss for so long,” he said. “Many of these companies are probably going to be looking at their balance sheets coming up here in September and October, and then having to make that tough decision”

by Jeremy Russo

Click here to report an error or typo in this article

Tolko indefinitely halts veneer production at Heffley Creek operation

Our Community