Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund has cleared a major regulatory milestone in its effort to secure the long-term future of its North Vancouver chlor-alkali facility, with District Council approving the project’s rezoning application at Third Reading.

 

The decision, made at a recent District of North Vancouver Council meeting, moves Chemtrade one step closer to securing approval for continued liquid chlorine production at the facility, which has operated safely since 1957.

 

The Third Reading approval does not represent final adoption of the required bylaw amendment. Final Council approval is expected to be considered in the coming weeks, with a tentative decision date set for July 20, 2026.

 

Chemtrade filed its rezoning application in September 2025 to allow the facility to continue producing liquid chlorine — a critical chemical used in municipal water treatment across Canada. Approval would allow the company to move ahead with planned capital investments focused on safety, reliability and risk reduction.

 

"The North Vancouver facility has been operating safely for almost seventy years and is a critical producer of liquid chlorine used in municipal water treatment in Canada. The facility also produces caustic soda and hydrochloric acid, both of which play a critical role in supporting the energy sector, pulp and paper, technology, water treatment and mining. 

 

"In total, over 60 per cent of the facility’s production stays in Canada, supporting Canadian businesses and industry. We are taking steps to secure its long-term operations as a critical facility in BC and Canada,” said Scott Rook, President and CEO of Chemtrade.

 

"With the successful passing of Third Reading, we have achieved an important milestone and look forward to the final adoption of the bylaw amendment; however, final adoption remains subject to District Council approval, which is tentatively scheduled for July 20, 2026. 

 

"If successful at this next stage, we will immediately move forward with our plans for additional investment in capital safety projects aimed at improving reliability and safety while further reducing potential risk.”

 

If the bylaw amendment receives final approval, Chemtrade plans to seek development permits from the District that would enable several major capital projects at the facility. The company expects the work to be carried out over the next four years, largely coordinated with scheduled facility turnaround activities, with overall completion targeted for late 2030.

 

The planned projects are designed to strengthen operational reliability, improve safety measures and further reduce potential risks to the surrounding community.

 

Chemtrade also emphasized the facility’s broader role in supporting critical infrastructure across Western Canada.

 

“Our North Vancouver facility is a key piece of infrastructure not only for Chemtrade but also for the safety and security of drinking water in Canada – chlorine produced in the Facility is a critical chemical used in the treatment of water for millions of people across Western Canada. We are committed to ensuring it remains compliant with all current regulatory requirements,” added Rook.

 

“Since 2010, over $500 million have been invested in the modernization of the Facility’s operations. Chemtrade plans to continue investments in the next four years to ensure the facility remains a safe and reliable community partner.”

 

Beyond the rezoning process, Chemtrade said it will continue discussions with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to finalize a land lease agreement covering a portion of the facility located on Port lands. In 2025, Chemtrade and the Port entered into a non-binding letter of intent outlining terms for a proposed 20-year agreement.