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Port Alberni to Purchase Catalyst Paper Wastewater Facility

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Catalyst Paper, Richmond, B.C., Canada, and the City of Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, B.C., are moving forward with key strategic initiatives after reaching an agreement-in-principle for the purchase of the company's wastewater treatment facility and additional lands. The agreement, valued at $5.75 million, consists of two parts—acquisition of the 13.4-hectare wastewater treatment facility located across the Alberni Inlet and, secondly, the purchase of 3.9 hectares of land combined with a road dedication (part of the Redford Street extension arrangement) to facilitate the development of an industrial truck route along the waterfront.

"This agreement with Catalyst Paper represents an investment in the long-term prosperity of our community," Mayor John Douglas said. "This sewage treatment facility will become an integral piece of our city's infrastructure, allowing us to meet the strict new federal and provincial wastewater regulations and accommodate the continued growth of the city."

Due to mill upgrades, Catalyst's wastewater treatment facility is no longer required to support operations. The city's acquisition and planned upgrade of the facility will bring it into compliance with new federal environmental regulations at a considerable cost savings compared with building a new facility.

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement that benefits the community of Port Alberni and our company," said Kevin J. Clarke, Catalyst Paper president and CEO. "This initiative allows the city to address a vital infrastructure requirement and it enables our business to focus on core operations as we exit creditor protection in the near term."

With the agreement in place, the city will now finalize and be eligible to draw on the $11.2 million grant provided by the federal government in January to make the necessary renovations and improvements to the lagoons. Once completed, the system will provide increased capacity and improved water quality in the Alberni Harbor and Somass Estuary.

 

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