We should know something soon about the future of Resolute Forest Products idled mill in Fort Frances.
The Rainy River Future Development Corporation reports there’s been plenty of activity in trying to transfer the mill property over to a new owner with plans to reopen the plant.
Consultant Tannis Drysdale says more will be revealed in the near future.
“We expect the council will have a statement in the coming weeks and we collectively remain very optimistic about the future of the mill asset,” says Drydale.
Drysdale says they’ve also enlisted the help of outside firm.
David McArthur, who was former Chief of Staff to Conservative leader Andrew Scheer, is now helping the town of Fort Frances with efforts to reopen its idled mill.
The Provincial Integrity Commissioner confirms McArthur has been a registered lobbyist for the town since February.
Drysdale says he comes with experience.
“He has negotiated sophisticated, complicated Trans Canada deals involving multiple stakeholders and most important to us, David’s first jobs were in the forest industry.”
Drysdale says McArthur is specifically working on negotiatation with the government and various forest interests.
