Harmac pulp mill receives $5.5 million federal investment. Published 6:00 pm Thursday, August 13, 2026 The Harmac pulp mill is receiving $5.5 million from the federal government to help the mill navigate trade disruptions and seize new opportunities. (News Bulletin file photo) | Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... | Nanaimo Forest Products, which operates the Harmac Pacific pulp mill in south Nanaimo, is receiving $5.5 million in federal funds to help the mill navigate trade disruptions and seize new opportunities. As well, Duke Point's Niik Steel will receive $1 million in the same funding program, and the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance is earmarked for $300,000. Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, made the funding announcement on Wednesday, Aug. 12. In total, the government is investing more than $30.5 million through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative into 24 businesses and organizations across B.C. to help them pivot to new pathways for growth, improve productivity, expand into new markets, reduce costs, and build more resilient supply chains. "Trade disruptions are creating real challenges for the B.C. businesses that are the backbone of our economy," Robertson said. "That is why the Government of Canada is stepping up with investments to help these businesses build more resilient supply chains, grow productivity, and open doors to new markets. By investing in B.C. businesses, we're creating the conditions they need to thrive, succeed, and build Canada strong." The $5.5-million for Harmac, which is receiving the most funding of the 24 companies listed in the announcement, will help the mill install new equipment to increase production capacity, which will help improve efficiency and reduce costs at the mill. "This project will help maintain forestry jobs, strengthen one of Vancouver Island's major industrial employers, and improve the competitiveness of B.C. pulp products in global markets," the government said in a press release. Niik Steel is Vancouver Island's largest commercial steel manufacturer, operating a 30,000 sq. ft. advanced fabrication and engineering facility in the Duke Point Industrial Park. The company supplies structural steel products for commercial, industrial and public infrastructure projects. The $1 million investment will help Niik establish a new facility to produce metal decking, flooring, and other steel building components in Western Canada. "This will strengthen domestic-construction supply chains and increase access to locally made building materials for projects across B.C. and Canada," the government said. The Nanaimo-based non-profit Vancouver Island Economic Alliance helps businesses across Vancouver Island grow, connect with partners, and access new opportunities. The $300,000 investment will help support programs that connect local producers with buyers, strengthen regional-supply chains, and help businesses enter new domestic and international markets. "This project will create new opportunities for economic growth across Vancouver Island," the government said.

Annual Mill Wide Emergency Evacuation Drill on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. MEDIA > annual Mill Wide Emergency Evacuation Drill on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Nanaimo Forest Products would like to let all its neighbours and surrounding businesses know that the Harmac Pacific Pulp Mill will be conducting its annual Mill Wide Emergency Evacuation Drill on Wednesday morning November 26, 2025. The purpose of this drill is to test its emergency systems and preparedness. This drill is part of its ongoing commitment to keep its community and employees safe. The drill will require that its audible emergency alarm system be activated. This siren can be heard in the area surrounding the mill. The alarm will be activated for a few minutes during the morning and will be silenced as soon as its emergency systems allow.