Montreal-based Kruger is moving a proposed investment of up to $700 million at its Corner Brook Pulp and Paper complex into environmental review, advancing a plan to reposition the century-old industrial site around manufacturing, renewable energy and upgraded infrastructure.

Project Tuckamore was registered with Newfoundland and Labrador regulators Sept. 1. The proposal includes an approximately 155-megawatt wind farm with up to 22 turbines, a new transmission line, upgrades to Kruger’s Deer Lake Power facilities and forestry modernization. Public comments are due Oct. 6, with a ministerial decision expected Oct. 16.

Kruger, a diversified forest products, renewable energy and industrial company, says the broader plan is intended to transform Corner Brook Pulp and Paper at 1 Mill Rd. into an integrated energy and industrial hub while improving the long-term competitiveness of the mill.

Plans include upgrades to paper manufacturing operations, a new pulp storage facility, new chip handling and receiving equipment and a biomass unloading and drying system. Kruger is also proposing improvements to hydroelectric infrastructure at Deer Lake and Watsons Pond.

The investment comes as Corner Brook’s industrial waterfront is also expanding. The Port of Corner Brook opened a new 24,000-SF warehouse in March for logistics, import-export and distribution users and is marketing an approximately 110,000-SF industrial facility at 85 Riverside Dr., about two kilometres from its international container terminal.

The port has also identified additional cargo laydown space and a potential new berth among its future infrastructure priorities as it looks to accommodate increased freight activity.