Swan River, Manitoba
The Swan River, Manitoba BDO Zone for Woody Biomass is rated ‘BBB’.
Rating Issue Date: April 29, 2024.
'BBB' ratings indicate good prospective viability of Feedstock Supply and Infrastructure (FS&I), and expectations of FS&I risk are currently low in the Zone. Capacity to support new biobased plant operations is considered adequate.
Swan River, MB, BDO Zone Overview
Feedstock quantities are expressed in oven-dry tonnes (odt), while feedstock costs are expressed in Canadian dollars (CAD). Maximum transport distance is based on a 120-km driving distance from the center point (Swan River, MB).
BDO Zone Assets
- Access to 50,000 odt/yr of wood fibre
- Over a decade of forest residue supply chain experience
- Supply assurances under long-term offtake agreement
- New bio-projects located in the vicinity of the Town of Swan River would have major locational advantages relative to existing competitors
- No additional investments required in feedstock logistics, infrastructure, or workforce
BDO Zone Liabilities
- Only one potential supplier of sawmill residues located in the vicinity of Swan River
- Long-term timber supply uncertainty stemming from licensing issues
- Active public opposition to forest industry in the form of legal disputes and environmental NGO initiatives
Infrastructure
- The suitability of regional infrastructure for new bio-projects was assessed using a potential project site in Swan River's industrial park. The site is located 4.5 km from SPL and is zoned for heavy industrial development with excellent access to primary roadways and railways.
- New bio-projects would have direct access to natural gas, high-speed internet, electricity, and water supply.
- Regional social infrastructure is well developed and includes a 20-year-old regional health facility and high school and college-level technical programs.
- With high regional workforce availability and comparatively low labour costs, the Swan River industrial park provides an ideal location for developers interested in utilizing the sawmill residue supplies from SPL.
Local Grants and Incentives
Town of Swan River Development Incentive ProgramThe Town of Swan River encourages and supports construction of new residential and commercial structures and expansions of existing commercial properties. The incentive is based on the assessed value of the construction as determined by the Manitoba Assessment Branch. Application forms are available from the Town Office.
Contact Information
