Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund has secured final approval for the rezoning of its North Vancouver chlor-alkali facility, clearing the way for continued liquid chlorine production and a new round of safety investments at the long-running industrial site.

 

The District of North Vancouver Council granted final adoption of Chemtrade’s rezoning application at its meeting Tuesday night, marking the final stage in a process that has spanned years and involved community groups, First Nations, stakeholders and government representatives.

 

The approval allows Chemtrade to continue producing liquid chlorine at the facility until the earlier of the expiry of its anticipated lease with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority or 2046, under the terms of a restrictive covenant signed with the District.

 

Chemtrade said the decision provides the operational certainty needed to move forward with planned capital upgrades focused on improving safety and reliability at the facility, which has operated safely since 1957.

 

The site is a critical supplier of liquid chlorine used in municipal drinking water treatment across Canada. It also produces caustic soda and hydrochloric acid, chemicals used in major industries including energy, mining, technology, pulp and paper, and water treatment.

 

“Our facility represents 40 per cent of the available production capacity of liquid chlorine in Canada and plays a critical role supporting both safe drinking water for millions and the supply chains of major industries that are key economic generators for Canada. In total, over 60 per cent of the facility’s production stays in Canada, supporting Canadian businesses and industry,” said Scott Rook, President and CEO of Chemtrade.

 

"We would like to thank the members of the District Council who supported our application, securing critical Canadian production of liquid chlorine, caustic soda and hydrochloric acid. We can now move forward with our plans for additional investments in capital safety projects aimed at improving reliability and safety.”

 

As part of the rezoning agreement, Chemtrade committed to additional oversight and safety measures requested by the District Council. Those commitments include regular reporting to the District, opportunities for council oversight, limits on liquid chlorine production aligned with the earlier of the Port lease ending or 2046, and continued community education, safety reviews and technology assessments.

 

"Over the last three years, we have engaged deeply with the community, local First Nations, stakeholders, and all levels of government. We were happy to listen and to respond to concerns raised by members of District Council and the local community through updates to the rezoning application. 

 

"We would like to thank the District Council for their diligence and commitment to an open and democratic process in reviewing a complex application with a variety of competing opinions,” concluded Rook.