If you drive through Nackawic today, you will notice the familiar white plumes above the AV Nackawic pulp mill are gone. Crews are wrapping up operations and preparing to idle the facility by November 4. The closure leaves workers and the surrounding community facing a harsh new reality.

Workers Face a Quiet Plant

Grant Charlton serves as a chemical plant operator and union president for Local 219. He represents more than half of the mill employees. Charlton told CTV News Atlantic that the reality of the situation is finally sinking in.

“People are having trouble staying optimistic about a future at the mill,” he says.

The hum of motors and pumps has stopped. A few employees have already left for other jobs, but most will stay until the final day.

Company Explores Land Sale

AV Group NB Inc. owns and operates the mill. The company announced the temporary idling in mid September. They blamed challenging market conditions and macroeconomic factors. The company has not provided a timeline for a return to operations.

AV Group declined an interview request but confirmed they are exploring the sale of freehold lands in York and Carlton Counties. The New Brunswick government confirmed its interest in buying the acreage.

AV Group released a statement explaining they hired a real estate brokerage to market the properties. They want to find a qualified investor to manage the resource sustainably. The company clarified they are only selling freehold land and no other assets. They plan to use the proceeds to support their remaining activities in New Brunswick.

Charlton notes this land sale frustrates the staff. Workers feel anxious as their employment nears its end and communication from the company remains sparse.

Community Impact

The mill serves as a central pillar of the Nackawic community. Residents are grieving the loss. Heather Ingraham calls the situation terrible for the town.

Joyce Allen remembers a similar shutdown 22 years ago. She worries about the future and the possibility of families moving away to find work.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Nackawic mill idling operations?

The mill will officially idle operations on November 4.

Why is the mill shutting down?

AV Group NB Inc. cites challenging market conditions and broader economic factors for the decision.

Is the company selling the mill?

No. The company is exploring the sale of its freehold lands in York and Carlton Counties, but they are not selling the mill assets.

Will the mill reopen?

AV Group has not provided any timeline or guarantee regarding when or if the mill will resume operations.