Tolko Industries has announced a curtailment at its Heffley Creek operation from August 24 until September 2.

The company also announced downtime at its Armstrong lumber, Armstrong plywood, and White Valley veneer operations in Lumby from August 17 to September 2.

“The high cost of logs and weak markets are impacting our operating footprint in British Columbia,” said Vice President of Solid Wood, Troy Connolly, in a release. “Although we prefer to keep these locations in constant operation, we must manage the business responsibly and ensure we are sustainable for the future.”

The downtime will affect over 700 employees across the various operations, Connolly noting employees were told of the curtailments earlier this morning.

“We do not make these decisions without a lot of consideration,” he added. “We have great people working at these locations, and this is in no way a reflection on them or their commitment. However, we continue to experience challenging industry conditions in British Columbia.”

The company says they will continue to support their customers while trying to minimize the impacts.

The news comes after several other mill curtailments across the province earlier this year.

Forests Minister Doug Donaldson yesterday reached out to the Federal Government asking for help in the wake of the forestry crisis.