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New pellet plant could bring 35 jobs to Cowichan Lake-area

A pellet plant that has the potential to bring along 35 jobs with it might be coming to the Cowichan-Lake area.

A pellet plant that has the potential to bring along 35 jobs with it might be coming to the Cowichan-Lake area.

On Nov. 8, the Abbottsford-based company, Biomass Secure Power Inc. announced in a web press release that they have intentions to build the region’s first pellet plant.

Jim Carroll, Biomass Secure Power’s president later indicated in another press release on his company’s website on Nov. 24 that he plans to visit the area for a detailed tour in the coming weeks, as well speak with Lake Cowichan Town Council and CVRD Area I director, Pat Weaver.

Lake Cowichan’s mayor, Ross Forrest said he has spoken with Carroll on the phone twice and confirmed that Carroll has voiced intentions to tour the area soon.

However, since the prospective site for the plant is in Meade Creek  industrial area and outside the town’s jurisdiction, Forrest said the issue falls on the shoulders of CVRD and Area I Director, Weaver.

“It’s not in town so it’s not really relevant to Town Council. But as long as it’s close to our area and there are jobs I’m happy. If it happens and there are 35 jobs out of it, that’s wonderful,” he said.

If Carroll succeeds and the plant does find a home in Lake Cowichan, Forrest said the local economy will benefit.

“Well it’s huge. We’ve lots of forestry jobs here over the years and to start getting some of those jobs back would be a big boost for this community,” said Forrest.