Warren Roberts, Wahkash Contracting (left), Doug Mosher, Atli Resources (centre), and Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar (right) visit the Atli Chip site in Beaver Cove, where planning is underway to support new value-added uses that strengthen the forest sector, advance a circular economy, and create opportunities for Indigenous-led economic development. (Image by ‘Namgis Business Development Corp)
PORT McNEILL – A $30,000 grant from the province will be utilized to help the ‘Namgis Business Development Corporation (NBDC) develop a transition for the industrial site and infrastructure at Beaver Cove between Port McNeill and Telegraph Cove that closed in March.
Atli Resources LP has partnered with Island Coastal Economic in a Market Diversification Exploration Strategy that will develop a preliminary business plan for alternative uses of its Beaver Cove site.
“Rather than standing still after the closure of operations, we’re focusing on disciplined planning, partnerships, and innovation to assess how this asset can continue to contribute to the local economy,” says Gaby Wickstrom, NDBC Interim CEO. “It’s about building on what already exists—skills, infrastructure, and relationships—to support a more diversified and resilient future for coastal forestry.”
The initiative is a response to significant structural changes in B.C.’s forest sector, including the closure of the Domtar Crofton pulp mill, which reduced demand for coastal residual fibre and made existing operations no longer viable.
Atli Resources retains key assets, including a fully permitted industrial site, fibre-handling infrastructure, access to coastal residual fibre, and access to a skilled workforce. The diversification strategy will assess new value-added opportunities.
“This work reflects our responsibility to think long-term about our lands, our people, and our economy,” states ‘Namgis First Nation Chief Victor Isaac. “The closure of the Atli facility was difficult, but it also gives us the opportunity to step forward and shape a more resilient, sustainable future that reflects our values as ‘Namgis.”
The strategy will guide Atli Resources from closure toward reinvestment, focusing on regenerative forestry practices and utilization of low-value fibre and logging residuals.
“The changes reshaping B.C.’s coastal forest sector demand new solutions, new partnerships, and a willingness to innovate,” notes Brodie Guy, CEO of Island Coastal Economic Trust. “We’re proud to be partnering with ‘Namgis on this forward-looking initiative — it’s exactly the kind of leadership coastal communities need, particularly on northern Vancouver Island. Here at the Trust, we’re actively seeking opportunities to invest in regenerative forestry, and this project is a leading example of the resource-based innovation that will define the next chapter of our coastal economy.”
Business Examiner
