Powell River was the site of the first wood pulp paper mill in western Canada, built by the Brooks and Scanlon firm of Minnesota. With a working capital of $1 million, the Powell River Paper Company was incorporated in 1909, and construction started on the mill.

The first roll of paper did not emerge from the mill until 1912, but the founders were so sure of its eventual success that they started building the Townsite. A sawmill was erected and soon the area was being logged for lumber to build houses and commercial structures.

For decades, the only means of transportation to and from Powell River was by boat. Visitors to the area were often awed by the dazzling display of light from the mill, and Powell River became informally known as "White City".

In 1955, MacMillian Bloedel merged with the Powell River Company. The Expansion of the mill continued for many years, as the industry boomed. By the 1960's, under the sole ownership of MacMillan Bloedel, Powell River's mill had the distinction of being the world's largest single producer of newsprint.

MacMillan Bloedel has proudly carried on the legacy of strong community support left to them by the Powell River Company. The Townsite Heritage Society is pleased to acknowledge the long standing contributions of MacMillan Bloedel.