Stay positive

Word of another impending shutdown at Resolute Forest Products’ mill here is a stark reminder that the challenges facing our community can’t be wiped clean simply by turning the page on the past year.
Coming on the heels of downtime over the Christmas holidays, Resolute announced yesterday that paper machine #5—the only one still running here—will cease production on Jan. 31 and be idled at least through the rest of the first quarter (i.e., end of March), resulting in about 150 employees being laid off.
It’s grim news for a town already dealing with the idling of the kraft mill and other two paper machines, especially, of course, for the workers and their families directly affected. There’s no question, however, that the impact will be felt throughout the community.
What’s key now is how we, as a community, deal with the situation.
The cyclical nature of the forest industry certainly isn’t anything new, and we’ve long known the need to diversify our economy to create jobs and expand the tax base.
Nor are we alone. Plant closures have hit other communities here in the region and across Ontario, such as Heinz in Leamington and Kellogg’s in London most recently, yet they’re soldiering on.
We must, too. Sitting on our hands or, worse, waving the white flag isn’t an option.
If there’s good news, it’s that Resolute is protecting its assets here for an eventual re-start when market conditions warrant while continuing to look for ways to reposition the mill.
In the meantime, though, we have to stay positive—and proactive—in working with government and the private sector to attract new industries and entrepreneurs to ensure the future well-being of Fort Frances.