North Cowichan seeks redevelopment of former Domtar pulp mill site

A proposal has been made to redevelop the former Domtar Crofton pulp mill site in North Cowichan through a partnership between the local government and the province. The initiative aims to create jobs and tax revenue while addressing the environmental challenges of the property, which may require significant remediation due to potential chemical contamination.

Key aspects of the redevelopment plan include using the mill’s idle wastewater treatment plant to sanitize local wastewater, which could potentially offset a proposed $100-plus million project to move an outfall pipe from the Cowichan River. Additionally, there are calls for the government to assume Domtar’s provincial water permits to help address regional water shortages affecting farms and businesses.