Prince Albert Mill Acquired, New Industrial Prospects Emerge

The recent acquisition of the now-defunct Prince Albert pulp and paper mill from Domtar to BMI Group marks the end of aspirations to revive the facility and has instigated a search for fresh industrial tenants.

“This site will never return to being a pulp mill, that is certain,” remarked Chris Rickett, BMI Group’s head of governmental and community relations.

Following eight months of negotiations, BMI has taken over the former Weyerhaeuser mill site and its facilities from Domtar, Canada’s leading pulp and paper firm. Rickett commented on BMI's commitment to revitalizing industrial sites and generating new economic possibilities.

BMI, with its headquarters in Tillsonburg, Ontario, specializes in environmental remediation and development projects. Operations at the former mill ceased in 2006, resulting in significant job losses and reverberating effects on the local forestry sector.

The expansive 2,331-acre site is located 10 km east of downtown Prince Albert along Highway 55, stretching towards the North Saskatchewan River, encompassing former waste retention areas and proximity to the Carlton Trail Railway line. Additionally, a ‘power island’ on-site utilizes tree waste for energy production, an aspect that BMI believes could appeal to new industrial tenants.

BMI has initiated consultations with local municipalities, provincial authorities, First Nations, and the surrounding communities, aiming to develop a formal master plan by early 2026, followed by a marketing strategy.

Among the prospective tenants is One Sky Forest Products Ltd., which is currently seeking investors to construct an oriented strand board (OSB) plant within part of the acquired site. Although the company had previously negotiated for land with the former proprietors, the agreement fell through. CEO Robert Fincati stated that the project is on pause due to potential U.S. tariffs impacting Canadian wood products, yet it remains essential for regional forestry growth.

One Sky, collaborating with various First Nations groups, envisions offering employment to approximately 120 individuals at the mill and another 120 in wood harvesting and transportation roles. The budget for constructing the OSB plant is projected at $500 million. The initiative has already secured timber allocations, building permits, and environmental clearances.

The Ministry of Environment expressed positive sentiments regarding the sale, considering it a significant advancement for Prince Albert and its neighboring regions. Various sawmills, OSB mills, and a pulp mill continue to operate throughout Saskatchewan, including locations such as Meadow Lake, Big River, Carrot River, and Hudson Bay.