B.C. Workers Unite to Rescue Feral Cats Amid Pulp Mill Closure

Rowan Ashford

ago 2 hours

As the pulp mill in Crofton, British Columbia, prepares for closure, a dedicated group of workers is striving to secure the future of the feral cats residing at the site. The mill, which has been operational for 68 years, will cease production in early January 2026, leaving approximately 350 employees without jobs. Tawni Marcil, a lead hand at the mill for 12 years, has taken the initiative to rescue these feline residents.

B.C. Workers Unite to Rescue Feral Cats Amid Pulp Mill Closure

When the announcement was made in early December 2025 by Domtar, concerns quickly surfaced regarding the fate of the cats that many employees have cared for over the years. Marcil noted, “It’s like coming to work and having pets that you love like your own at home.” The cats have become an integral part of the everyday work experience for the employees.

Caring for the Community Cats

Over the years, the population of feral cats at the mill has diminished from hundreds to around 14 due to local trap-neuter-release initiatives. Marcil took over the responsibility for their care from a retired colleague nine years ago. She expressed her deep emotional attachment to the cats, stating, “I felt like I was abandoning them.”

Approximately 350 employees affected by the pulp mill closure
Mill has been operational for 68 years
Current population of feral cats reduced to about 14
Cats are managed through local rescue and care initiatives

Local rescue organizations, including Foster Kritters Feral Cat Rescue, have been pivotal in efforts to relocate the cats. Kirsten Belday, the organization’s founder, credited Marcil for her assistance in catching the cats. “Because they know her and trust her, she’s actually been able to trap the majority of the cats for us,” Belday shared.

Health Concerns for the Cats

The rescued cats are largely elderly, aged between 12 and 18 years. Many require medical attention, including dental work, which is being funded through community support. Although some cats are less social, only a few are deemed suitable for adoption.

For the cats that cannot be adopted, plans are in place for them to be sent to the RAPS Cat Sanctuary in Richmond, B.C. This sanctuary will provide the necessary care and a safe environment for the cats to live out their lives.

A Heartwarming Adoption Story

One particular cat, Wasabi, has already found a new home with Elliot Cole, a retired instrument mechanic from the mill. Having cared for Wasabi throughout his tenure, Cole expressed a strong desire to keep him safe after the mill’s closure. “I wanted to take him,” he stated emphatically.

Wasabi has transitioned to Cole’s home and is acclimating well.
Cole has set up a comfortable environment with a basement getaway.
His bonding with Wasabi includes sharing activities like reading.

The closure of the Crofton pulp mill signals a challenging transition for many, but the commitment to the feral cats from dedicated workers like Tawni Marcil illustrates the power of community spirit in times of change. Marcil, despite her own uncertainties, takes comfort in knowing the cats will receive the care they deserve.

As B.C. workers unite to rescue feral cats amid the mill’s closure, their actions reflect a compassionate response to difficult circumstances, ensuring these animals will not be abandoned in their time of need.