More drama in Fort Frances surrounding the idled pulp and paper mill.
It appears any relationship the town had with Riversedge Developments appears to be fading.
Earlier this Summer, Resolute Forest Products sold the mill to Riversedge Development for $1.
Mayor June Caul says they’ve had no communication with developer Justus Veldman in almost seven weeks.
Caul says there was a promise made by Veldman to communicate on a bi-weekly basis.
She notes “We’ve been in contact with Red Rock, Sault Ste. Marie, Iroquois Falls, places that he’s been in before, and it has been a disaster in those areas.”
Caul says she has also been working with Northern Development and Mines Minister Greg Rickford and Natural Resources and Forestry John Yakabuski to protect and secure wood rights.
She says she won’t rest until there is something guaranteed in writing.
Caul stresses there are still interested companies wanting to take over the facility.
Caul says Rickford and Yakabuski were to have further meetings on the issue but hasn’t been told if they’ve taken place or their outcome.
Meantime, an outstanding tax bill is giving Fort Frances some leverage to keep the facility intact.
The town has issued a notice of seizure against all personal property located on mill property.
The move comes after reports certain pieces of heavy equipment were recently removed from the site.
According to the notice, more than $489,000 in taxes are owing.
For immediate release from the Town of @fort_frances this morning. #ourforestourfuture #onpoli pic.twitter.com/T9pSH7JKzO
— Douglas Judson (@dwjudson) August 13, 2019
