The mill general manager of Domtar in Kamloops says there is some concern for the future because of the downturn in forestry.

Jean-Claude Allaire says mills in Vavenby and Chasm were huge contributors to Domtar.

“We need 2.3 tonnes of fibre in order to make a tonne of pulp. So those sawmills are our lifeblood. So 80 per cent of fibre coming to the mill, normally were coming from (local) mills. So the fact that (two of) those sawmills went down, now we need to find another source of fibre. And that fibre is more expensive and the pulp and paper companies are competing for the same fibre. It’s harder to get, and when you get it you have to pay the price.”

Domtar directly employs 340 people and is the largest taxpayer in Kamloops, contributing more than $5 million per year.

A spokesperson for Domtar says the mill is operating at full production.

Allaire says there are no plans to reduce the local workforce or to cut back on production.

“We have a very good people working at the mill, they are skillful, and we have a nice set of equipment. So our asset here in Kamloops is very robust. But yes, we are worried for the future.”