MAYOR DAVID FORMOSA
POWELL RIVER – The City of Powell River was saddened to learn from Paper Excellence that the company is indefinitely curtailing production at its tiskʷat mill in the community.
“Our thoughts are with the employees and their families who have been impacted by this move,” said Mayor David Formosa. “I can’t imagine what a blow this is to them, especially heading into the holiday season. The city is already working with Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons, the provincial government and other agencies to support them through this difficult time.”
Mayor Formosa said that the city has done everything within its power to keep the mill viable for more than a decade including providing property tax relief, working with the company to secure funding to improve operations, and even finding new owners that would take the operation in different directions. Although the curtailment announcement is disappointing, Mayor Formosa says that there are opportunities to redevelop the site.
“Paper Excellence, the BC Government, and Renewable Hydrogen Canada have been in extensive discussions to transition the mill into a significant hydrogen and clean fuel production facility,” said Mayor Formosa. “As I’ve said for many years, the site has excellent infrastructure to support new industry.”
Mayor Formosa said there are no guarantees that the development will come to fruition, but through his offices the city will continue to work closely with Premier Horgan’s office, MLA Nicholas Simons, and Paper Excellence to ensure all opportunities are explored. He said that other parties have expressed an interest in the mill site.