In a press release Thursday morning Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper announced it will no longer be producing newsprint after the first quarter of 2026.
Citing a uniquely large decline in demand for newsprint over the past several years, Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper announced today that it will file notices with the Ontario Ministry of Labour to cease newsprint operations.
According to the release, the decline in the market has significantly impacted the mill.
“This decision was made only after significant efforts to reposition the company within the evolving and rapidly declining newsprint market were fully explored,” The company said.
“The impacts of declining market demand were further compounded by significant increases in input costs.”
The mill says up to 150 people will be directly impacted by the closure.
“The company is working closely with the local unions and all levels of government to ensure affected employees have access to employment transition supports, retraining programs, and other necessary resources,” they said.
Norm Bush, CEO of Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper, says there has been a significant decrease since the mill was acquired.
“North American newsprint demand has declined by 40% since 2022 when Atlas Holdings purchased the company. Demand for newsprint in North America declined 18% in 2025 alone. Demand decline is the most insurmountable factor in the decision to cease newsprint production in Thunder Bay,” he said.
“This was a very difficult decision, and we know how deeply it affects our employees and their families. After more than 100 years of operating in the Thunder Bay community, we also understand that the impacts extend beyond the mill, affecting local businesses, Indigenous partners, and the broader region.”
The plan is for the mill to continue operating it’s kraft mill.
“Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper will continue to operate as a single-line Softwood Kraft mill and generate renewable energy for sale to the grid while driving the local and regional economy with up to 7,000 jobs when reliant sawmills and others in the supply chain are accounted for,” the release said.
“In the months ahead, the company will work with the federal and provincial governments to refine its plans for new investments in the Softwood Kraft Pulp mill and appreciates the support of Premier Ford and his government in ensuring the company remains the anchor mill of Northwestern Ontario’s Forestry Sector. The paper machine will be safely shuttered in a condition that could enable future conversion.”
The CEO says the mill intends to continue operating as a hub for the region.
“As a company, we are not going anywhere. We are the anchor mill here in Northwestern Ontario, and we will continue to be. We will work collaboratively with all stakeholders as this transition unfolds and we position the company for a bright future in Ontario,” he said.
The mill in Thunder Bay has been the newsprint supplier for the Fort Frances Times since the closure of the mill in Fort Frances. The Times and other newspapers in the region are likely to be affected. Fort Frances Times General Manager Andre Flynn says despite the challenge, the paper will continue to do its best to bring news to the region.
“Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper’s decision to end its newsprint production line marks yet another tough moment for newspapers across Northwestern Ontario,” Flynn said.
“They’ve been one of the last nearby sources of printing‑grade newsprint, and losing that option likely means longer supply chains, higher costs, and fewer dependable choices for papers like ours.
The shut down comes as a blow to the industry.
“As a longtime loyal customer, we’re truly saddened to see this part of the operation shut down. Our thoughts are with the workers and families now facing uncertainty. This mill has supported communities across the region for generations, and the impact of these job losses will be felt well beyond the industry.
“Even so, our commitment to strong, independent local journalism in Fort Frances remains firm. We’re not just determined to keep going, we’re determined to keep getting better. We’re investing in improving our papers, strengthening our coverage and making sure you continue to get the local news that matters. We’ll adapt, secure new supply arrangements and continue delivering the trusted community reporting our readers count on.”
