Fort Frances councillors question future amid idling of mill

FORT FRANCES, Ont. -- The Idling of Resolute Forest Products in this community is starting to cause concern for the town’s council.

Councillors are starting to raise question about the local wood supply and the kraft mill’s future. Coun. Rick Wiedenhoeft says his biggest concern is how the town will move forward.

“If the wood allotment is going to be held in Resolute’s hands and no benefit comes to the town of Fort Frances then that’s not good for Fort Frances,” Wiedenhoeft said during an interview with CKPR Radio.

In November, more than 230 workers were laid off due to the indefinite idling of the mill. A possible reassessment of the mill property may also impact tax revenue for the town.

Despite the economic disadvantage the mill provides, Coun. Andrew Halliaks says the community will not give up and will continue to work to ensure a successful future.

“The people who built this town are tough people and the people who live here are still hardy, tough and hard working,” Halliaks said.

“This is a major setback; I don’t want to minimize that in any way. But we are going to get through it … we’ll see this through.”

(CKPR Radio)