The Nackawic pulp mill prepares to idle by the end of this week. As the shutdown approaches, the future of the facility and the surrounding forestry sector remains uncertain. If you live in the region, you know how vital this industry is to the local economy. To protect the local supply chain, the New Brunswick government submitted a bid to purchase 44,000 hectares of land from AV Group NB Inc.

You can read the original report from CTV News Atlantic.

The Push to Keep the Heat On

Progressive Conservative MLAs urge the provincial government to keep the mill heated. MLA Richard Ames highlighted the risks for the facility which is 50 years old. He called the situation a catastrophe waiting to happen if the building loses heat.

Natural Resources Minister John Herron explained the province lacks direct control because AV Group owns the mill. However, the government holds significant leverage. If the company turns off the heat, they face a massive environmental impact assessment. Herron noted this assessment costs far more than simply heating the building.

Herron also pointed out severe maintenance issues at the site. During a visit in May 2025, he observed equipment held together with duct tape. He stated the facility suffers from immense deferred maintenance and a lack of investment.

Securing the Forestry Future

To safeguard the local wood supply, the province made an official offer on 44,000 hectares of AV Group land in Nackawic. Herron stressed the importance of keeping this land tied to the regional wood basket. This ensures enough fiber remains available for the forestry sector.

A confidentiality agreement prevents the release of further details about the purchase offer.

Progressive Conservative MLA Kris Austin supports the land acquisition. He warned against letting an unknown private buyer take control of the property. If a private owner decides to do nothing with the land, New Brunswick loses valuable resources for its forestry sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Nackawic pulp mill in the news?

The mill is set to idle by the end of the week. This closure raises concerns about the local economy and the future of the facility.

Why does the government want to keep the mill heated?

Allowing the building to freeze causes severe damage to the aging infrastructure. The province uses the threat of an expensive environmental impact assessment to pressure the owners into maintaining the heat.

Why is New Brunswick buying land from AV Group?

The province wants to purchase 44,000 hectares of woodland to ensure the timber remains available for the local forestry industry. This prevents private buyers from hoarding the land and restricting access to the wood supply.