A long-abandoned former mill site situated on the Bathurst waterfront is set to receive $5.8 million in funding to attract potential development. The financial support, coming from both provincial and federal governments, will facilitate the connection of the old Smurfit-Stone paper mill location to essential city water and sewer services.
Bathurst MLA René Legacy expressed optimism that this infrastructure enhancement will stimulate interest from developers to acquire the land, leading to its revitalization into residential or commercial spaces. The mill, which shuttered in 2005 after providing employment to hundreds in the area, has remained derelict over the past two decades.
Describing the dilapidated site as resembling “a war zone,” Bathurst Mayor Kim Chamberlain welcomed the funding announcement as a significant milestone for the city. She emphasized the tremendous potential for transforming the prime waterfront property into a valuable asset for the community.
The planned water and sewer upgrades are scheduled for the upcoming summer, with the province issuing a request for proposals to developers during the fall season for responses over the winter. Legacy anticipates that construction activities on the site could commence as early as 2027.
Last year, the province took possession of the land through a tax sale process, as the site had accumulated $2.5 million in unpaid property taxes due to multiple ownership changes post-mill closure. Notably, two large silos on the property had to be demolished to pave the way for the current redevelopment initiative.
The project will be funded with $2.3 million from New Brunswick’s Regional Development Corporation and $3.5 million from the federal government. Mayor Chamberlain expressed council’s elation at the progress being made, underscoring the challenges faced in advancing the project without land ownership.
Mayor Chamberlain acknowledged the site’s strategic location at a main city entrance, with Legacy highlighting existing developer interest. Despite adverse weather conditions, Legacy emphasized his commitment to construction and development, emphasizing that the journey is far from over.