An exact location for the new OSB mill will be announced in the future. (Photo 215676548 © Mnogomesta | Dreamstime.com)

By Nigel Maxwell

Economy

‘It really is a huge milestone for us’: One Sky aims to see new OSB plant operating by fall of 2023

Sep 9, 2021 | 10:00 AM

The vice president of projects for One Sky Forest Products is excited to move on to the next stage of development for a venture that will help create over 700 jobs for northern Saskatchewan.

An Oriented Strand Board (OSB) plant has received the green light, following news of timber allocation from the province. While he could not provide specifics on the exact location, Erik Munck said the OSB plant will be built in Prince Albert or very nearby.

“We expect to begin construction in the fall of 2022, and begin operations in the fall of 2023,” he said.

The Government of Saskatchewan allocates timber through the Ministry of Energy and Resources under The Forest Resources Management Act. The province is allocating the majority of the timber required for this project, while the remaining balance will be secured by the company through commercial agreements negotiated with other mills, Indigenous timber allocation holders and private landowners. Munck explained the fiber allocation from the province provides a long term commitment for a very large part of the fiber needed to make the project real.

“It really is a huge milestone for us,” he said.

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Reaction from its partners

According to a media release issued late Wednesday afternoon, One Sky has brought together experts that are nationally recognized for leadership in the forestry industry. Munck confirmed One Sky is committed to a project that is First Nations driven.

“We would like to see a very large equity participation by First Nation. It’s important to us,” he said.

Munck explained the 700 plus jobs created does not include those created during the construction phase, and there will be approximately 120 positions at the plant itself, with other jobs in forestry, logging, transportation, and maintenance.

Current partners are Peak Renewables Ltd., local investors and twelve First Nations represented by Montreal Lake Business Ventures, Meadow Lake Tribal Council together with Big River First Nation, and Wahpeton Dakota Developments. The company is also sourcing fiber through agreements with First Nations and other forestry businesses located in the Prince Albert region.

“Montreal Lake Business Ventures has been involved in this process since the beginning, and we are very excited about today’s announcement,” Robert Fincati, CEO of Montreal Lake Business Ventures said in a statement. “This OSB Facility will bring tremendous economic spinoffs to the community and will be a significant employer, not just for Montreal Lake, but for all Indigenous communities in the area. This is a very exciting step in our history, and we look forward to working together with our partners in moving this forward.”

Cy Standing, Chair of Wahpeton Dakota Developments, confirmed they too look forward to contributing to the creation of new jobs and business opportunities in the Prince Albert region.

“We are thrilled to be investing in a facility that will create added economic opportunities to Saskatchewan as it manufactures a durable product that is in demand locally, nationally and internationally,” he said.

Big River First Nation Chief Jack Rayne said the opportunity to participate in mill ownership is the obvious next step in the community’s path to creating economic benefit. He also expressed his confidence that the partnership will lead to increased productivity in the province and will contribute to local economies.

“It is a great move forward,” he said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell