Howe Sound pulp mill on Sunshine Coast to restart

The pulp mill at Port Mellon. Photo by Bill Keay

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The Howe Sound pulp mill on the Sunshine Coast is set to restart.

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The announcement comes six weeks after owner Domtar Corp. said the mill and chipping facility in Port Mellon would close, leading to a loss of around 400 jobs. The company said at that time that this was due to deteriorating markets and a decline in affordable domestic fibre.

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Domtar said its decision to restart was made in part because of efforts by the provincial government to work with the company.

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“While the forest industry continues to face significant economic and competitive challenges, Domtar believes this collaboration represents an important first step toward supporting a strong and sustainable future for the sector and the communities that depend on it,” said company spokesperson Guillaume Julien.

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“With the government’s support in place, the scheduled maintenance will proceed as planned, followed by the restart of the mill.”

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On Sept. 4, Forestry Minister Ravi Parmar appointed high-profile negotiators to work with Domtar in efforts to reopen the mill.

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Julien did not say what the terms of the deal were between the company and government. However, in an interview with Postmedia in September he said that a better deal with B.C. Hydro would help the company.

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“The Howe Sound mill supports not only approximately 400 direct jobs, but also sawmills, contractors, suppliers and local businesses that depend on the mill as a major economic anchor for the region,” Julien said.

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Unifor National president Lana Payne said an agreement in principle between the provincial government and Domtar had been reached, but its workers belonging to Local 1119 still had to ratify a new collective agreement next week.

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“This is terrific news for our members and the whole community on the Sunshine Coast,” Payne said. “It is also proof that the close collaboration between workers, industry and government can get results.”

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Town of Gibsons Mayor Silas White told the Coast Reporter that he has received confirmation the mill will reopen in mid-October with full ramp-up and energy production scheduled for Nov. 1.

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