Paper Excellence Canada has announced the permanent curtailment of its Catalyst Paper Tis’kwat mill in City of Powell River’s Townsite neighbourhood.
“It was a difficult decision to curtail Tis’kwat indefinitely in December 2021,” stated Stew Gibson, chief operating officer, in a media release on August 16. “Following a comprehensive review of options, it has been determined that a restart of a pulp or paper business is not feasible. We now look forward to the redevelopment of the site.”
The release stated that in the 18 months since the indefinite curtailment, the majority of employees took voluntary severance, and a small number chose to transfer to another Paper Excellence Canada mill. When fully operating, Catalyst Paper Tis’kwat employed approximately 200 people.
“The mill is secured and has been de-risked in terms of removing all major chemicals, fibre and fuels from the site,” stated Graham Kissack, vice-president of environment, health and safety and corporate communications. “Longer term environmental assessments are underway.”
Gibson provided an update regarding a potential sale.
“We are in conversation with potential buyers for the site,” stated Gibson. “However, it is too early in the process to make public statements.”
Paper Excellence Canada will continue to supply pulp and paper customers with production from its other operating mills in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, according to the release. The company continues to believe Canada will be a leader in the pulp and paper industry and remains committed to its long-term investment here, the release concluded.
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