The City of Prince Rupert has entered into an exclusivity agreement with Watson Island LNG Corporation ( WILNG ) to repurpose Watson Island into a small LNG export terminal. WILNG will now take the time to perform their due diligence surrounding the export facility.
“After many months of investigation Council believes the City has found a company with the vision for Watson Island that will bring jobs and a substantial new economy to Prince Rupert,” said Mayor Jack Mussallem , on behalf of the City of Prince Rupert Council. “We recognize the City has gone down this road before, however, we have never given up on our vision to repurpose Watson Island and get it back on the tax-roll. We are optimistic this project will be an economic generator that will bolster the City and create new jobs in the region.”
Watson Island, which is home to the former Skeena Cellulose Pulp Mill, is strategically located industrial land at tidewater within minutes of Prince Rupert. The City entertained other offers to repurpose the land but chose to proceed with WILNG because it represented the best value forCity of Prince Rupert taxpayers.
Ed Weibauer , Director of WILNG stated, “We are looking forward to establishing good working relationships with the community, First Nations and regulators to bring the company’s development plans to fruition.”
After entering into a settlement agreement with the former owner of Watson Island, Sun Wave Forest Products Ltd., the City is now proceeding with decommissioning the old pulp mill, which is ongoing. The City is also working to obtain Provincial assistance for the removal of industrial chemicals and is managing a number of other environmentally dangerous substances.
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Press Release, July 17, 2014; Image: princerupert.ca