Photo: PA Pulp and Paper Mill

After 20 years of vacancy, a compressed natural gas facility could be the next development on the site of the former Prince Albert Pulp and Paper Mill, which ceased operations in 2006.

Property redevelopment company BMI Group acquired the site in fall of 2025, and it is now working on securing numerous industry partnerships to fill the 2,330-acre space. 

The most recent development was signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Plum Gas, which intends to establish a compressed natural gas facility on the site. 

Chris Rickett is Head of Government and Community Relations for BMI Group. He says, “Given the amount of natural has that comes into the site and the pipe that’s there, there’s a real opportunity to get set up and serve the mining sector for CNG gas.”

He adds that there are also opportunities for companies that deal in critical minerals, defense, and pulp production.

“There are, of course, jobs associated with that, but also, by doing compressed natural gas there and serving the mining and industrial sector, that’s going to help reduce fuel costs and make those operations more efficient.”

The project is still in its early days, but Rickett anticipates getting Plum Gas online within 12-18 months.  He adds that the site also offers over 900,000 square feet of industrial building space, direct rail access, and up to 130 megawatts of power, so they are looking to get other business partners onto the property, as well.  

“We’re open to talking to all kinds of businesses that might need space or places to manufacture and to set up.”

He hopes the redeveloped site can be transformed into an economic anchor for Prince Albert and surrounding area.