Northern Pulp has officially abandoned plans to build a new multi-billion-dollar pulp mill near Liverpool, Nova Scotia, and will proceed with the sale of its local assets as part of a creditor protection process ongoing since 2020.
“It’s a major setback for the forestry sector,” said Todd Burgess, Executive Director of Forest Nova Scotia. Without the mill, contractors and woodlot owners face greater challenges in managing and marketing low-grade wood. Freeman Lumber COO Marcus Zwicker noted that the proposed mill would have significantly increased the value of residual wood materials, which are currently used mainly for heat and power generation.
Concerns have also been raised over the closure of Northern Pulp’s greenhouses, previously used for reforestation. The province is evaluating options, including the future of 200,000 hectares of timberland formerly managed by the company.
Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton said the province remains open to supporting a new mill but emphasized the need for federal involvement and private investment. Meanwhile, Pictou Landing First Nation continues to deal with the legacy of environmental damage from the company’s former effluent operations at Boat Harbour. “The trauma is not easily forgotten,” said Chief Tamara Young.
Tags:
