Pemberton Mill

In May 2023, the remains of the former Pemberton timber mill remained largely untouched five months after a major fire destroyed much of the historic site in December 2022. The fire raised concerns about asbestos contamination due to asbestos-containing materials within the structure, although the site had been secured following the incident.

The mill, originally established in 1913, had ceased operations in 2016 but still contained machinery owned by Parkside Timber, the company’s lessee. Parkside acknowledged responsibility for the clean-up but stated that demolition and asbestos removal works could not proceed until approval had been obtained from relevant government agencies.

At the time, the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage was assessing remediation options and had requested additional information regarding the proposed clean-up process. Parkside also indicated that redevelopment opportunities for the site would be considered once remediation works had been completed.

The delay attracted concern from local residents and public officials, who called for the removal of fire-damaged materials and asbestos-containing debris as soon as practical.