Severe weather and flooding in B.C. affecting lumber, pulp shipments: West Fraser

Vancouver -

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. says severe weather and flooding in B.C. that has disrupted highways and rail routes in the province is affecting its lumber and pulp shipments.

The forestry company says that in the second half of November its western Canadian lumber weekly shipments have fallen by as much as 30 per cent.

West Fraser also says its pulp shipments to the port of Vancouver, from where the majority of its export pulp ships, have averaged less than 20 per cent of normal volumes.

Heavy rains have caused flooding and mudslides that have cut several key transportation routes in B.C. including highways and rail lines.

West Fraser says it is using alternative transportation routes and methods, but the magnitude and duration of the impact from current weather events remains uncertain.

The company is expected to report its fourth-quarter and full-year results on Feb. 15.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 30, 2021.