Jeff Kibble calls for assessment of Crofton mill property

Jeff Kibble, the Cowichan-Malahat-Langford MP and Shadow Minister for Defence Procurement, is urging the federal government to conduct a feasibility assessment of the former pulp mill property in Crofton, British Columbia. He suggests the site could serve future industrial and naval purposes due to its deep, sheltered water, existing berthing, and industrial infrastructure.

Kibble noted that Canada’s plans for up to 12 submarines and 15 river-class destroyers may require additional Pacific naval capacity beyond the current infrastructure in Esquimalt. He emphasized that while $1.1 billion is being allocated to replace aging jetties in Esquimalt, this represents replacement rather than new capacity.

The proposal calls for an assessment involving the Royal Canadian Navy, industry stakeholders, and the Crofton community before the property is sold. Kibble also stressed the importance of protecting Crofton’s drinking water and supporting local industrial employment, noting that approximately 350 jobs were lost when the mill closed.