IGNACE — The phone call came as a surprise to Ignace Mayor Kim Baigrie.
On the other end of the line, she said, was an official from Domtar telling her the news that the company’s sawmill in Ignace will be shutting down indefinitely.
“I was shocked, I was upset,” she told Newswatch. “I didn’t want to hear that for our community, but I told them I understand the tariffs and the softwood prices, and I realize you can’t operate when you’re losing.”
“I understand where they’re coming from, but we want to support our community and the workers.”
Domtar confirmed the facility will shut down on March 12, citing “weak” demand for lumber in North America.
In an open letter to the residents of her community posted to the township’s social media on Jan. 19, Baigrie said the pending closure will affect up to 25 local workers.
“As a township, we have no control over softwood lumber price points, U.S. tariffs or the decisions of private corporations, but we can advocate for our community and for the Northwestern Ontario forestry industry,” her letter says.
“We understand the gravity of this situation and its potential ramifications and impact on the livelihood of those involved and the broader community. We are exploring all possible avenues and collaborating with various government stakeholders to find viable solutions.”
Baigrie said the township has a delegation at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference in Toronto and is meeting with ministers and government stakeholders, with support for the township and workers key on its agenda. Her letter says they’ve secured time with Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford.
She said she and township officials have also met with the company.
“We keep chugging away,” Baigrie told Newswatch. “We keep approaching these ministers for help for our community, and I’m … proud of (the municipality’s delegation) that they’re able to get meetings with the ministers.”
“We’re moving forward for our community.”
Baigrie pointed to areas of growth in Ignace, such as the next steps towards construction of a planned multi-phase subdivision, and the pending build of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s national headquarters as potential avenues for work.
“The Township of Ignace is committed to providing access to contacts, support and resources to those displaced during this challenging time through advocacy with both levels of government,” Baigrie’s letter says, adding that the municipality is working with entities like the Ontario Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth, provincial skills training agencies and Domtar’s management.
“We just want them to know that we are there and we support them,” Baigrie said. “And (we’re trying) to help them out as much as we can.”
“Whether it’s programs to bring in for them to retrain — we want the government to stand behind us.”
