Four First Nations Buy Shuttered Canfor Sawmill in Vanderhoof to Create Industrial Park
Olivia Singh
7/1/20262 min read
Four First Nations in northern British Columbia have purchased a former Canfor sawmill in Vanderhoof and plan to turn the property into a new industrial park.
The Stellat’en, Nadleh Whut’en, Saik’uz and Lheidli T’enneh First Nations have acquired the former Plateau sawmill property, which was one of the worksites closed by Canfor in 2024.
The closure affected hundreds of people and created a significant loss for the local economy.
Canfor announced Tuesday that the sale had closed.
Site to Become Ncha Koh Industrial Park
The First Nations say the property will be converted into the Ncha Koh Industrial Park.
Stellat’en Chief Robert Michell described the acquisition as a transformational moment for his nation.
“By acquiring this strategic industrial asset, we are creating a platform for long-term economic growth, strengthening our self-determination, and ensuring that our Nation has a meaningful role in shaping the future of our regional economy,” Michell said in a release.
The nations are expected to release more details about the deal during a media availability on July 10.
B.C. Hydro to Be First Customer
The first customer for the new industrial site will be B.C. Hydro.
The utility plans to lease part of the property to support construction of the North Coast Transmission Line, a $6-billion project intended to double the amount of electricity flowing from Prince George to Terrace.
B.C. Hydro said it expects to begin work on the transmission line this summer.
The Vanderhoof site will be used for worker accommodations and as a laydown area for the project.
Property Seen as Strategic Asset
Vanderhoof is located about 85 kilometres west of Prince George and has a population of roughly 4,500 people.
The community also serves as a hub for nearby First Nations.
The Plateau site covers about four square kilometres and includes a rock quarry and rail siding. Sawmill equipment was also included in the sale.
Mayor Says Closure Hit Tax Base Hard
District of Vanderhoof Mayor Kevin Moutray said he welcomed the purchase.
He said the loss of Canfor as an industrial taxpayer was a major blow to the community, resulting in about $580,000 in lost revenue.
That represented roughly 11 per cent of Vanderhoof’s tax base.
“It’s a really big deal,” Moutray said. “It’s a great industrial site, the heart of taxation and employment in Vanderhoof.”
The purchase gives the former sawmill property a new future after its closure and positions the First Nations as major players in the region’s industrial and economic development.
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