Chemtrade’s North Vancouver chlor-alkali rezoning passed Third Reading, but final bylaw adoption remains pending.
Approval would enable safety upgrades to sustain liquid chlorine output, alongside caustic soda and hydrochloric acid production for Canadian industry.
Final council approval is tentatively set for July 20, 2026; permits would precede capital projects running to late 2030.
“The North Vancouver facility has been operating safely for almost seventy years and is a critical producer of liquid chlorine used in municipal water treatment in Canada. The facility also produces caustic soda and hydrochloric acid both of which play a critical role in supporting the energy sector, pulp and paper, technology, water treatment and mining. In total, over 60 per cent of the facility’s production stays in Canada, supporting Canadian businesses and industry. We are taking steps to secure its long-term operations as a critical facility in BC and Canada,” said Scott Rook, President and CEO of Chemtrade. “With the successful passing of Third Reading, we have achieved an important milestone and look forward to the final adoption of the bylaw amendment; however, final adoption remains subject to District Council approval, which is tentatively scheduled for July 20, 2026. If successful at this next stage, we will immediately move forward with our plans for additional investment in capital safety projects aimed at improving reliability and safety while further reducing potential risk.”
Following bylaw adoption, Chemtrade intends to focus on securing development permits from the District, which would allow for the completion of several capital projects at the Facility aimed at improving safety and reliability while further reducing potential risk to the community. The projects are intended to be implemented over the next four years utilizing planned facility turnaround activities to complete the majority of the work. The overall project completion date is expected in late 2030. Final adoption of the bylaw amendment remains subject to further District Council consideration and approval, and there can be no assurance that the bylaw amendment will ultimately be adopted.
“Our North Vancouver facility is a key piece of infrastructure not only for Chemtrade but also for the safety and security of drinking water in Canada – chlorine produced in the Facility is a critical chemical used in the treatment of water for millions of people across Western Canada. We are committed to ensuring it remains compliant with all current regulatory requirements,” added Mr. Rook. “Since 2010, over $500 million have been invested in the modernization of the Facility’s operations. Chemtrade plans to continue investments in the next four years to ensure the facility remains a safe and reliable community partner.”
While Chemtrade is seeking final adoption of the bylaw amendment from the District Council, it also intends to continue engagement with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (the “Port”) to finalize its land lease for a portion of the Facility situated on Port lands. In 2025, Chemtrade and the Port entered into a non-binding letter of intent outlining terms of a new 20-year agreement.
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ALCHEMPro News Desk
