The Nova Scotia government is receiving more than $100 million following the final sale of the timberlands around Northern Pulp, the mill that closed more than six years ago. Premier Tim Houston said the sale price will bring $102.3 million to the province. The final payment was received this week. “I am also pleased that the purchaser of the lands is a respected Nova Scotian that cares about the province and has always shown a commitment to doing the right thing,” Houston said in a news release. “In the coming weeks, the company will begin closure plan activities on the mill site, including removing hazardous materials and demolition of buildings and other structures. The Department of Environment and Climate Change is responsible to monitor those activities as the environmental regulator.” Houston did not specify which company had purchased the timberlands. Last December, Tidnish Holdings Ltd., which is based in Oxford, announced it had reached a tentative agreement to buy 173,000 hectares of timberlands for $235 million. The Northern Pulp mill, which produced bleached kraft pulp, is located in Abercrombie Point near Pictou. The mill closed in January 2020 due to failing to meet environmental standards in the Boat Harbour Act. The company went into creditor protection and launched a $450-million lawsuit against the province. They reached a settlement with the province in 2024. “While Northern Pulp remains in creditor protection, we anticipate the court process coming to an end soon,” Houston said. “We recognize this has been a long process, more than six years in the making. I am proud that the Province, as a secured creditor in the court proceedings, has accomplished the best result possible for Nova Scotians.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
