In April, Canfor Forest Products will shutdown operation in Houston B.C. indefinitely, for a possible modern rebuild in the future, the company announced.

This follows a major restructuring of Canfor's B.C. operation, including the permanent closure of the Chetwynd sawmill. Although the compnay has said it could reopen the Houston sawmill as early as 2025, no commitments have been made.

"This is a major blow to our community," said Houston Mayor Shane Brienen. "It's been expected for some time, but it still comes as a shock for many who work at the mill and their families."

Although the mill in Houston will continue to operate until April, the future for more than 300 workers and families based in Houston is more uncertain now than ever before. Many questions are still unanswered, according to Mayor Brienen, especially how long the mill will be closed and how many jobs will return, if or when the mill reopens.

B.C.'s forestry industry has been going through structure turbulence as of late, following an old growth deferral proposal by the provincial government last year and several other closures across the province including the permanent closure of Canfor's pulpmill in Prince George earlier this year.

Listen to the full episode below.