Powell River mayor Ron Woznow is optimistic about 2025. In a year-end interview, the mayor detailed several developments and plans that will be important for the city moving forward.
“The big one for Powell River is the redevelopment of the old mill,” said Woznow. “I’ve had numerous conversations with Domtar [formerly Paper Excellence], – the owners – and a range of prospective purchasers and developers.”
Woznow said he wanted to use the old Santé Veritas marijuana production facility in Townsite as an example of the kind of redevelopment that has occurred successfully in the city. He said the production facility was defunct, but was purchased by a progressive company and turned into a success story, now known as 125 Meridian West Cultivation Ltd.
“They now have 25 employees, producing boutique marijuana,” said Woznow. “It’s being sold in Australia and Europe.
“It’s a success because the new owners are good businesspeople, and they understand the importance of redevelopment in a place like Powell River. So, what I am hoping for, over the next year, when the sale of the old mill site is completed, is that there will be a redevelopment opportunity.”
Woznow said over and above continuing contributions from the mill to the tax roll, there is the prospect of good-paying jobs, impacts on retailers, and other factors.
“It’s a new picture that I think can happen and will happen,” said Woznow.
The mayor said on the environmental side for the mill, there is a brownfield funding program, which will be important to the redevelopment of the old mill site, so that monies can be applied for to assist with cleanup.
“Another important point is that Randene Neill, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast, who is a cabinet minister, will advocate strongly for Powell River,” said Woznow. “She can see the importance of a town going through a major transition. I’m very optimistic that minister Neill will be very, very helpful.”
Woznow said he is hoping in the new year that Powell River continues to be an attractive place for people to settle.
‘Families are seeing the quality of life that Powell River has to offer,” said Woznow. “In the Lower Mainland, imagine that you are commuting 90 minutes each way to work. You can come here, not commute, and there are tremendous opportunities.
“I’ve been approached by an individual who has now moved to Powell River, who helps people that want to immigrate to Canada, using programs that are offered federally and provincially. The fact that this individual has earmarked Powell River as a place where people can come to develop their businesses is a very good indicator.”
Another positive for the city, moving forward, is the fact that it owns so much land – approximately 160 properties. Woznow said he has spoken with about 20 mayors from around the province who are in awe of the property the city holds.
Woznow said he would like to be in a position by the end of 2025 where one to three parcels of land have been selected, and sold or leased, to start new business opportunities for the city. He added that the city hired a consultant to look at those 160 properties and distill them down to the top 25.
“There’s a lot of work and investment that has been done already,” said Woznow. “Now, we just have to make a decision and move forward.
“I’ve been really lucky to have been mentored by excellent businesspeople who are also politicians. They have told me to look for the right opportunity and present it. If the net benefit to the residents of Powell River is significant, then it’s important to have the conviction to move forward.”
Powell River has been fortunate to have a Campbell River developer come to Powell River to build, and plan on building, apartment complexes, according to Woznow. He said the 142 units that have been constructed on Joyce Avenue, close to qathet General Hospital, will be beneficial for the rental market, and could allow medical professionals to live in proximity to their workplace.
“I’m optimistic that if we continue to develop, then it will have a positive impact,” said Woznow.
A continuing issue in 2025 will be supportive housing, about which the mayor has expressed some concerns. Woznow said he has identified successful supportive housing ventures in other communities and would like to see those models employed here, to rework the management structure, so the existing facility is being effective for supportive housing.
“Then, I guarantee you, there will be strong support for a second one,” said Woznow. “Back in the 1970s, I was one of the initial developers of supportive housing in Fredericton for individuals who had drug addiction. We were very systematic in the approach we took. People coming into the program understood what the program could offer. They understood their responsibilities and ideally, they get back to doing things on their own.”
In terms of a possible name change for the city, Woznow said the matter will be set over until 2026, when there will be a vote on a name change connected to the municipal election.
“We recognize the importance of every voter to have an opportunity to express their opinion about whether or not there should be a name change,” said Woznow. “To do otherwise would basically be saying we are not in a democracy.”
Woznow concluded by saying he was optimistic about 2025.
“My grandkids went on the internet and found a little story about Powell River being one of the best places to live,” said Woznow. “We’ve talked many times about being able to look out over the ocean; we have the mountains, and everything in between. Just about anybody can find something to do here on a daily basis.”
He added that the people here are special, too. He said the volunteering that goes in the community is emblematic of the people living here and the care they have for the community,
Woznow also pointed out that the city has excellent staff members, who are working to ensure it is a great place to live and work.
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