Sudbury

'We're all very worried right now': Espanola council 'reassures' town facing paper mill shutdown

Meeting for the first time since learning the northern Ontario town's main employer is about to shutdown, Espanola council promised to work toward a "strong future" that could still include a pulp and paper mill.

Town says many employers interested in coming to Espanola for a job fair

A large grey building with the words 'Domtar' with smokestacks out the top
Espanola council says while there is a lot of 'uncertainty' about the future of the Domtar paper mill, the town will do what it can to support workers and their families. (Erik White/CBC )

Meeting for the first time since learning the northern Ontario town's main employer is about to shutdown, Espanola council promised Tuesday night to work toward a "strong future" that could still include a pulp and paper mill. 

Domtar announced last week that starting next month, it is indefinitely idling its decades-old plant on the Spanish River, putting 450 jobs in jeopardy.

"We're all very worried right now. We're all scared. There's a lot of uncertainty," said Coun. Aidan Kallioinen.

"I like that as council we're able to provide some degree of reassurance that through what we can do, we'll be with folks every step through this process and we'll be able to help the workers and their families."

Mayor Doug Gervais told council that in the few days since the announcement, it has been contacted by "many employers" and plans are underway to hold a job fair in Espanola. He said Domtar is also making "similar efforts"

"This news is fresh for many of us, and there is limited information. As we all learn more, the town will be implementing a strategy with all organizations and levels of government," he told council. 

"Our primary goals are to ensure that supports are there for the workers and to ensure a strong future for Espanola."

Gervais was clear that future could still include a pulp and paper mill, noting that the plant, which has been for sale for about a year now, is "very well situated" with a hydro dam and railroad access and has "proven to be a viable operation in the past."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Erik White

journalist

Erik White is a CBC journalist based in Sudbury. He covers a wide range of stories about northern Ontario. Send story ideas to erik.white@cbc.ca