The Irving Pulp and Paper mill in west Saint John is undergoing a massive $1.5 billion upgrade. Known as Project NextGen, this initiative marks the largest investment in the Canadian forest products industry in more than 30 years. With a $660 million loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank, the project secures the facility’s future and redefines sustainable pulp production.

Powering the Future with Green Energy

The core of Project NextGen involves building a new recovery boiler, a steam turbine, and a green energy generator. These additions produce up to 140 megawatts of clean electricity. This output fully powers the mill and supplies surplus energy directly to the New Brunswick electrical grid.

The environmental upgrades cut greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of kraft pulp in half. The surrounding community experiences improvements in air quality, water quality, and noise reduction.

Mark Mosher, executive vice president of J.D. Irving’s pulp and paper division, highlights the necessity of this upgrade. “You cannot make those kinds of changes without a massive shift in technology, and that shift is what makes everything else possible,” Mosher told Pulp and Paper Canada.

Boosting the Saint John Economy

A project of this scale brings significant economic benefits to your community. Construction requires an estimated 2,200 person years of direct labour over four and a half years. At its peak, the project doubles the on site workforce. This creates sustained opportunities for local tradespeople and helps build the skilled trades talent pipeline in Saint John.

The financial impact is substantial. The project generates $539 million in employment income and $409 million in household spending at local businesses. It also boosts the provincial gross domestic product by $711 million.

Once complete, Project NextGen adds 600 permanent jobs across the forest supply chain. A competitive pulp mill anchors the regional forest products network by providing a steady market for woodchips, bark, and pulpwood.

“A strong pulp mill makes a strong forest industry,” Mosher adds.

Community and Industry Confidence

Local leaders see this investment as a major win for the region. Ron Marcolin, vice president of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, notes the broader impact. “Saint John punches above its weight as we speak. This will take it even higher,” Marcolin says.

Shannon Merrifield, CEO of the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce, echoes this sentiment. “NextGen was a welcome announcement to our business community, signalling the region is a great place to do business,” Merrifield explains.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Project NextGen?

Project NextGen is a $1.5 billion upgrade to the Irving Pulp and Paper mill in Saint John. It includes a new recovery boiler, steam turbine, and green energy generator.

How does the project benefit the environment?

The upgrades cut greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of kraft pulp by 50 percent. The new generator also produces up to 140 megawatts of clean electricity for the mill and the provincial grid.

How many jobs does the project create?

Construction creates 2,200 person years of direct labour. Once finished, the upgraded mill supports 600 new jobs across the regional forest supply chain.

Who is funding the project?

J.D. Irving funds the majority of the $1.5 billion project, supported by a $660 million loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank.