The Port Alberni Port Authority (PAPA) is pleased to announce the establishment of CanTimber Biotech within its terminal facilities. With the introduction made by the City of Port Alberni Economic Development Department PAPA successfully negotiated a long term agreement for CanTimber to create and operate a new environmentally-sustainable, value-added wood-product business that will create upwards of two-dozen direct full time jobs in Port Alberni. The public is invited to learn more about CanTimber and its operations at an Information Session on June 23rd from 5-7pm in the upper lounge of the Alberni Valley Multiplex located at 3737 Roger Street in Port Alberni. CanTimber will explain how their business will capitalize on the current wood waste left behind from logging operations (much of which is currently openly burned) by transforming it into a variety of highly valued products in an environmentally positive process.
“CanTimber was first introduced to us last summer by Pat Deakin through the positive partnership of community economic development the Port enjoys with the City,” explains Director of Public Relations & Business Development for PAPA, Dave McCormick. “Over the past year we and the City have worked with the company as they have conducted their necessary due diligence with respect to environmental investigations and reporting; facility planning and business analysis. We are proud that CanTimber has not only selected Port Alberni as their location but that we have developed a positive relationship built on respect for the community and environment.” These sentiments are echoed by City of Port Alberni Economic Development Manager, Pat Deakin: “CanTimber was looking at a number of different communities throughout BC to set up shop. We worked to convince them that Port Alberni provided the greatest strategic advantages including close proximity to a sustainable supply; existing suitable facilities; availability of qualified and talented workforce; and growth opportunities that align with the plans of the company, the Port and the City.”
CanTimber spokesperson, Michael Liu is happy to be in Port Alberni: “we looked at a number of different locations but Port Alberni represents the best opportunity for us to establish our business and look forward to possible expansion. We have signed a long term agreement with the Port Authority to use their facilities. Both the Port and City have been very helpful to encourage us to come here and provide support as we undertook extensive business and environmental analysis. The public is encouraged to come to our information session to learn about our business and our company representatives who are now also residents in Port Alberni.”
Public Information Session: Tuesday, June 23rd from 5:00 – 7:00pm Upper Lounge, Alberni Valley Multiplex 3737 Roger Street, Port Alberni, BC