A long-abandoned former mill site on the Bathurst waterfront is set to receive $5.8 million in funding to spur development. The provincial and federal governments will allocate the funds to facilitate the connection of the old Smurfit-Stone paper mill site to city water and sewer services.
Bathurst MLA René Legacy expressed optimism that this investment will attract developers to bid on the property, leading to its transformation into new housing or commercial spaces. The mill, which once provided employment for hundreds in the region, ceased operations in 2005 and has remained vacant, deteriorating over the years.
Describing the site as resembling “a war zone,” Bathurst Mayor Kim Chamberlain hailed the funding announcement as a significant milestone for the city, removing an eyesore and paving the way for potential development on the prime waterfront location. Legacy disclosed that the water and sewer upgrades are scheduled for the upcoming summer, with a call for proposals to be issued in the fall for interested developers to respond during the winter. The aim is to commence construction on the site by 2027.
Last year, the province acquired ownership of the land through a tax sale, as previous owners failed to fulfill promises of cleaning and revitalizing the property post-mill closure. With $2.5 million in outstanding property taxes and the necessity to demolish two large silos on-site, the project will receive $2.3 million from New Brunswick’s Regional Development Corporation and $3.5 million from the federal government.
Mayor Chamberlain expressed the council’s excitement over the progress, emphasizing the challenges faced in advancing the project without land ownership. Legacy highlighted the site’s strategic location at a main city entrance and indicated developer interest already being expressed.
Despite the chilly conditions during the funding announcement, Legacy reiterated his commitment to building and transforming the site, underscoring that the journey is far from over.