TLA Welcomes Planned Reopening of Howe Sound Mill
October 1, 2026 — The Truck Loggers Association (TLA) is encouraged by the news that Domtar’s Howe Sound pulp mill in Port Mellon is expected to resume operations in mid-October following a planned maintenance shutdown.
The mill is an important source of jobs on the Sunshine Coast and plays a significant role in the broader coastal forest economy. Its operations support not only pulp mill workers and their families, but also harvesting contractors, log haulers, sawmill workers and other businesses throughout the coastal forest supply chain.
“The news that Howe Sound is expected to reopen is welcome news for workers, contractors and the Sunshine Coast community,” said Bob Marquis, president of the Truck Loggers Association and third generation, Powell River contractor. “We hope the government’s recent action will help keep the mill operating for many years, stabilizing the industry, providing security for workers and moving away from boom-and-bust cycles.”
The TLA recognizes that significant challenges remain across BC’s forest sector, including access to economically viable fibre, high operating costs, and difficult global market conditions. Keeping existing facilities operating and maintaining the skilled workforce and contracting capacity that supports them will be essential to the long-term health of the coastal forest sector.
“Every mill that remains operating helps sustain an interconnected network of workers, contractors, manufacturers and communities,” said Peter Lister, Executive Director of the Truck Loggers Association. “We need to build on this positive development and continue working together to create the conditions for a stable, competitive and sustainable coastal forest industry.”
The TLA will continue to work with government, industry, workers, contractors and communities to support practical measures that keep wood moving, protect forestry jobs and strengthen the long-term future of BC’s working forest.