Canfor's Closed Vavenby Sawmill Sold to B.C. Businessman

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Canfor Vavenby sawmill site has been sold, almost a year after its closed down. As per media reports, 75% of the land has been sold to B.C. entrepreneur Brian Fehr, whereas the remaining 25% has been purchased by Simpcw First Nation. It must be noted that Fehr is the board chairman of SmartLam North America, which produces cross laminated timber products.

Commenting on the transaction, Merlin Blackwell, Clearwater Mayor said that Brian Fehr has been an expert in converting similar properties, which is quite evident from his past history. He hoped that the Canfor mill site too would be converted to benefit small businesses, which in turn will help to spread out the workforce and boost economy of the region.

ALSO READ: Canfor's Operatingh Lodd Tapered to $50 MIllion in Q2

It must be noted that Fehr has purchased numerous such properties including the Canfor mill in Canal Flats, which was then transformed into the Columbia Lake Technology Centre (CLTC).

According to reports, work is currently underway to empty the Vavenby mill site. It will take at least a year to know what the site will be replaced with. Hopes are that the site will host a number of value-added businesses, thereby rebuilding the region’s industrial life.