Feb 08, 2008. /Lesprom.com/. TimberWest Forest Corp. announced that it will permanently close the Elk Falls sawmill in Campbell River, B.C. The last full operating shift will be May 9, 2008. The sawmill closure will include the associated shipping operations at Stuart Channel Wharves located in Crofton, B.C. TimberWest has been engaged in a process to sell the mill since October 2005. Despite widespread exposure across Canada and elsewhere, no purchasers came forward with a bid proposal to acquire the mill. The mill has high operating costs and a history of losses even before the most recent decline in lumber markets and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar. "Decisions like these are very difficult, given the dedicated workforce at the mill and the obvious impact on families and the community," said Paul McElligott, TimberWest President and CEO. "TimberWest will honor all of its obligations to its employees as a result of this decision. In addition, our Manager of Human Resources will meet with each of the affected staff employees over the next week." There are 257 hourly and staff employees affected by this announcement. TimberWest will continue to operate the mill over the next three months, as market conditions permit, and we will ensure customer orders are filled. TimberWest Forest Corp. is uniquely positioned as Western Canada's largest private land management company.