News Operations & Management Paper Pulp Workforce
Catalyst Paper tiskwat Mill in B.C. indefinitely curtailed, announces Paper Excellence

Paper Excellence has announced the indefinite curtailment of operations at its Catalyst Paper tisk^wat mill. The company noted in a statement that the mill has been facing significant financial losses due to the ongoing contraction in global paper markets and paper prices, especially in Asia. The facility is no longer viable under the current market conditions despite the efforts put in by the mill’s team of employees.

Paper Excellence is currently in conversation with the governments and potential partners to identify new opportunities that would leverage the facility’s access to deep water, natural gas, electricity, water supplies, as well as its existing biomass boiler with power generating capacity, wastewater treatment and solid waste disposal infrastructure. The company’s long-term goal is to ensure that the site is able to provide employment and economic activity in Powell River.

Paper Excellence will now focus on the 206 employees of the mill who have been impacted by this decision. The company plans on offering relocation or secondment opportunities wherever possible to its other facilities across B.C. that have vacancies. Paper Excellence will also fulfill all obligations under the terms of the collective agreements with UNIFOR Local 1 and Local 76.

The company will ensure the safety of the mill facility and the protection of the community and surrounding environment during the curtailment. After the curtailment, the focus will be on safeguarding the site and equipment, removing all fibre and chemicals, and general cleanup of the facility to eliminate environmental risks. A small team of employees will continue monitor the facility round the clock to ensure its security.

Paper Excellence will continue supplying its paper customers with the production from its Crofton and Port Alberni mills.