A file photo of Mayor Greg Dionne. (paNOW)

By Alison Sandstrom

Forestry sector

Massive manufacturing facility ‘ready to build’ in Prince Albert: Dionne

Oct 9, 2020 | 6:00 AM

Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne says he’s leading a negotiating team that’s in talks with investors ready to open a new forestry manufacturing production facility that could employee upwards of 750 people in the area.

Dionne told paNOW there’s just one final condition that needs to be complied with to make the project a reality.

“Unfortunately because of the election and the province shutting down [for the political campaign], we cannot finish off that one condition, but I’m quite sure that we will, and that’s why we’re releasing the information,” Dionne said, adding all parties agreed to reveal some basic details because the news was “starting to get out into the community.”

He declined to name the company involved, or what they would be producing, but confirmed “it’s not the pulp mill,” when asked.

Two potential locations for the facility – one in Prince Albert city limits, and one outside – are being considered, he said.

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“I’m happy with either location, because I’m more excited about the 750 jobs because that’s just going to bring such great economic development to P.A.,” he said. “We’ve always been on the edge, we just sort of needed a push to get going. This is the push.”

Dionne said the city has been working in partnership with the province and the recently-formed Prince Albert Regional Economic Development Alliance (PAREDA) on the project.

Asked if the announcement was deliberately timed ahead of the municipal election, Dionne said he “had no problem defending that.

“It’s strictly because I want the people to know the programs we’ve put in place, like PAREDA – the model that I believe in – this shows that the model is working,” he said. “I’m quite sure my opponents are going to have a platform of how to bring economic development to P.A… well I strongly believe in PAREDA.”

He explained once the provincial election was over on Oct. 26, he expected negotiations to wrap up quickly.

“Once the provincial election’s over, we’re going to be right on it because this company is ready to build,” he said. “They have the plant, they have everything they need. Once we get the committment we need from the government, we’ll be ready to go.”

Dionne added the deal could even be closed before the municipal election on Nov. 9.

“It’s an exciting opportunity,” RM of Buckland Reeve and PAREDA member Don Fyrk said in a media release from the Mayor’s office. “It will benefit the entire region and I am looking forward to working with the new company.”

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom