The closure of a lumber mill in British Columbia’s South Cariboo has local officials warning the impact will reach far beyond the more than 100 people directly losing their jobs.

West Fraser Timber Co. announced it would shut its mill in 100 Mile House by the end of the year, saying it couldn't reliably access enough economically viable timber either locally or further afield. Its closure will put more than 165 people out of work as a result.

The CBC's Lyndsay Duncombe visited 100 Mile House as the community deals with the closure.

Why a lack of access to timber is leading to B.C. mill closures, job losses

"The impact — emotionally, physically, spiritually — when these things happen is very devastating," said 100 Mile House resident and longtime forestry worker Sven Birkner.

B

See Full Page