(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Mounting pressure

P.A. Mayor wants provincial help to rekindle local forestry sector

May 26, 2021 | 6:05 PM

Over half a year since he announced a massive forestry manufacturing facility was ready to build in P.A., Mayor Greg Dionne is preparing to turn up the heat on the province to make it happen.

Vowing things were about to get “very public,” during Tuesday’s city council meeting, Dionne announced plans for a campaign to pressure the provincial government to grant that plant and others the access to timber they need to operate.

Meanwhile the provincial government says at the moment “virtually all the timber in the Prince Albert area is contractually allocated to existing companies, including Paper Excellence for the potential re-opening of the pulp mill.”

“I did serve our MLA notice this morning that I will be starting a heavy public campaign,” Dionne told council, explaining he’ll be encouraging people to call their MLAs and the premier to ask, “where’s our wood supply.”

Dionne first announced plans for a forestry manufacturing facility that would employ upwards of 750 people during the fall municipal election. It has since been confirmed the proposed facility is an OSB plant. The name of company behind it has not been released.

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At the time Dionne told paNOW there was just one final condition that needed to be complied with to make the project a reality and he expected it be completed imminently – as early as the beginning of November.

“We’re into June next week,” Coun. Don Cody said Monday. “And still no wood supply for the OSB plant – 700 jobs waiting.”

Meanwhile a new furniture manufacturing facility in the RM of Buckland is importing wood from Minnesota, Manitoba and Alberta, Cody said. He added he believes it also has potential to grow if it had better access to lumber.

A third potential player, a wood pellet manufacturer, is also interested in locating in the area, Dionne said.

“I believe we could put 1,200 people back to work in the forestry industry if they would get their letters today [guaranteeing access to timber],” Dionne said. “Because the people that are playing with us are serious.”

Speaking to paNOW after in the meeting, Dionne said he understood there were “hurdles” the province has to work through, but he’s presented various solutions.

“I’ve met with all parties and all the solutions will work,” he said. “I just don’t know why the government won’t do it.”

In an emailed response to paNOW Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre said:

“Our government remains committed to the full development and utilization of the timber supply in the Prince Albert area. At present, virtually all the timber in the Prince Albert area is contractually allocated to existing companies, including Paper Excellence for the potential re-opening of the pulp mill. We will examine any and all opportunities for other projects as timber supply becomes available.”

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alison.sandstrom@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @alisandstrom