Corner Brook Pulp and Paper will halt newsprint production temporarily starting Monday due to low water levels affecting Deer Lake Power’s ability to supply enough energy to run the mill. Darren Pelley, vice-president of special projects at Kruger Inc., the mill’s owner, stated that the Grand Lake reservoir water levels have dropped to critical, historically low levels. The mill was already closed earlier in the week for boiler maintenance, but without sufficient water, it cannot operate.
Pelley mentioned that substantial rainfall is needed to restore operations, as the region has missed crucial rain for a few months. During the shutdown, the approximately 400 mill workers will be reassigned to other tasks. The mill, celebrating a century in operation in Corner Brook this summer, is dependent on rainfall and weather conditions, making the future uncertain.
Kruger confirmed that the production pause will continue until water levels normalize. This isn’t the first disruption for the mill this year, as it stopped operations during widespread wildfires, citing safety concerns and a shortage of fiber. The mill also faced closures in 2023 due to industry changes and in April 2024 for failing safety standards.
Kruger recently announced a $700 million investment to modernize the mill, focusing on lumber production for local sawmills and transitioning from log-filled wood yards to chips. Pelley emphasized the need for careful planning during this transition period.
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