The MP for Cowichan-Malahat-Langford is calling on the federal government to complete an assessment of the former pulp mill site in Crofton before the property changes hands.
In a press release, Jeff Kibble said the deep-water industrial site could have potential for future naval or industrial use.
“What sits at Crofton is rare,” said Kibble. “Deep, sheltered water behind the Gulf Islands, alongside berthing that loaded bulk carriers use, industrial power and water, and a large working upland. A building can be put up anywhere. A depth cannot be built to order, and there are very few places on this coast that have one.”
The MP points to plans for up to 12 submarines and 15 River-class destroyers, as well as nearly $1.1 billion in federal spending to replace aging jetties at Esquimalt.
Kibble said the Esquimalt work will replace existing capacity rather than add to it.
“When a serviced deep-water industrial property comes available a short distance up the same coast, the responsible thing is to look at it,” Kibble said.
He is calling for a feasibility assessment involving the Royal Canadian Navy, industry and the local community.
Kibble said the assessment should determine whether the Crofton property could play a role in expanding Canada’s Pacific naval and industrial capacity.
He also said any future use must protect Crofton’s drinking water and maintain industrial employment in the community.
READ MORE: Crofton pulp mill closure results in 350 lost jobs : My Cowichan Valley Now
The mill closed earlier this year, affecting roughly 350 jobs.
