Veneer production at Tolko’s Heffley Creek site expected to resume next week

UPDATE (Aug. 21): KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Tolko Industries has temporarily halted veneer production at its Heffley Creek operation, citing wildfires, drought and difficulties accessing fibre.

The company says the shutdown is temporary, and its full production is expected to return by next week. Tolko’s 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.

“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.”

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story indicated that Tolko indefinitely curtailed veneer production at its Heffley Creek site. It has been corrected.