Rural Islands Economic Partnership is pleased to share this story published by Island Coastal Economic Trust.
Warren Roberts, Wahkash Contracting (left), Doug Mosher, Atli Resources (centre), and Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar (right) visit the Atli Chip site in Beaver Cove, where planning is underway to support new value-added uses that strengthen the forest sector, advance a circular economy, and create opportunities for Indigenous-led economic development. (Image by ‘Na̱mg̱is Business Development Corp)
’Na̱mg̱is-Led Initiative Explores New Future for Former Atli Wood Chip Facility
Market diversification strategy will support transition of industrial assets to create jobs and bolster sector
‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation, BC – A new initiative led by the ‘Namgis Business Development Corporation will support the transition of a former wood chip processing operation toward new, sustainable economic opportunities on Vancouver Island’s coast.
Atli Resources LP is partnering with Island Coastal Economic Trust to invest in a Market Diversification Exploration Strategy that will develop a preliminary business plan for alternative uses of its industrial site and infrastructure following the March 2026 closure of its operations in Beaver Cove near Port McNeill and Telegraph Cove.
“Rather than standing still after the closure of operations, we’re focusing on disciplined planning, partnerships, and innovation to assess how this asset can continue to contribute to the local economy,” said Gaby Wickstrom, Interim CEO, ‘Namgis Business Development Corp. “It’s about building on what already exists—skills, infrastructure, and relationships—to support a more diversified and resilient future for coastal forestry.”
The project responds to significant structural changes inB.C.’s forest sector, including the closure of the DomtarCrofton pulp mill, which reduced demand for coastal residual fibre and made existing operations no longer viable.
Despite this shift, Atli Resources retains key assets, including a fully permitted industrial site, fibre-handling infrastructure, access to coastal residual fibre, and access to a skilled workforce. The diversification strategy will assess new value-added opportunities that align with regional economic development priorities, climate transition goals, and Indigenous economicpartnerships.
“This work reflects our responsibility to think long-term about our lands, our people, and our economy,” said ‘Namgis First Nation Chief Victor Isaac. “The closure of the Atli facility was difficult, but it also gives us the opportunity to step forward and shape a more resilient, sustainable future that reflects our values as ‘Namgis.”
The strategy will guide Atli Resources from closure toward informed reinvestment, focusing on regenerative forestry practices and utilization of low-value fibre and logging residuals.
“The ‘Namgis First Nation are taking a common sense, proactive approach that uses existing industrial zoned land and keeps skilled workers on the Island,” said North Island MLA Anna Kindy. “This is a strong step in the right direction. It will help grow the local economy and create opportunity for everyone.”
The Trust is partnering on the project through a $30,000 investment from the Investment Readiness funding program, under the Regenerative Forestry investment priority.
“The changes reshaping B.C.’s coastal forest sector demand new solutions, new partnerships, and a willingness to innovate,” said Brodie Guy, CEO of Island Coastal Economic Trust. “We’re proud to be partnering with ‘Namgis on this forward-looking initiative — it’s exactly the kind of leadership coastal communities need, particularly on northern VancouverIsland. Here at the Trust, we’re actively seeking opportunities to invest in regenerative forestry, and this project is a leading example of the resource-based innovation that will define the next chapter of our coastal economy.”
Findings from the strategy will help guide future decision-making about the site’s potential role in the coastal economy.
