Paper Excellence Canada has made a significant announcement regarding the future of Catalyst Paper tiskwat, its paper mill located in Powell River, BC. The decision has been made to permanently curtail the operations of the mill.

Stew Gibson, Chief Operating Officer, acknowledged the challenging nature of this decision, describing it as difficult to indefinitely curtail tiskwat back in December 2021. After an extensive evaluation of available options, it has been determined that restarting the pulp or paper business is not a feasible path. The focus now shifts towards the site's redevelopment.

Over the course of the 18 months since the indefinite curtailment was initiated, a significant number of employees have chosen voluntary severance, and a small group opted for transfer to another Paper Excellence Canada mill. The Catalyst Paper tiskwat mill, at its full operational capacity, employed around 200 individuals.

The mill has been securely managed, with major chemicals, fiber, and fuels completely removed from the premises. Graham Kissack, Vice President of Environment, Health & Safety and Corporate Communications, noted that ongoing environmental assessments are in progress to address the longer-term impact of the site.

Stew Gibson mentioned ongoing conversations with potential buyers for the site, but emphasized that it is still too early in the process to provide specific details.

While the curtailment of Catalyst Paper tiskwat marks a significant transition, Paper Excellence Canada remains committed to meeting the needs of its pulp and paper customers. This commitment will be upheld through production from their operational mills in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. The company maintains a positive outlook on Canada's role as a leader in the pulp and paper industry, reinforcing its dedication to long-term investments in the country.

Source:paperexcellence.com

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