Update: More downtime in store for Tolko workers

Update:

In a blow to hundreds of workers in the Okanagan, Tolko Industries has confirmed that employees at a number of its mills will be off the job for another two weeks.

The downtime, starting Saturday and going from Aug. 17 to Sept. 2, will affect employees at the company”s Armstrong lumber and plywood mills and at the White Valley veneer operations in Lumby.

As well, the Heffley Creek veneer operations will be shut down for one week, from Aug. 24 to Sept. 2.

The company blames the high cost of logs and poor market conditions as the reasons for the downtime.

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

21h ago

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

22h ago

Salaries

Vernon Council to discuss lesser pay increases

Dec 12, 2025

“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 press release Thursday.

“Although we prefer to keep these locations in constant operation, we must manage the business responsibly and ensure we are sustainable for the future,” he said.

Hundreds of staff were made aware of the move earlier Thursday.

“This downtime will affect over 700 of our employees in these operations,” said Connolly. “We do not make these decisions without a lot of consideration.

“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.”

This is the second time this year that Tolko workers have been given down time.

–

–

Original Story:

Tolko employees at mills in Armstrong and in Lumby have another two weeks without work.

According to employees, the company announced this morning that workers would be off the job starting Monday at the Armstrong plywood and lumber mills and the White Valley Veneer in Lavington.

Approximately 700 to 800 employees are reportedly affected.

As well, the Heffley Creek Plywood mill will reportedly be closed for one week, starting August 26th.

The company has confirmed the downtime but would not specify which mills were affected or for how long.