A two year wait is coming to an end for the Ignace sawmill.
Resolute Forest Products says they will be reopening the facility this week with one shift resulting in about 25 jobs.
Spokesperson Seth Kursman says they are hoping to reach two and a half shifts over the next few months with plans to create about 60 on-site jobs.
However, Kursman says the total could reach 180 to 200 if you include woodland operators, contractors and potential opportunities with the wood supply in Atikokan.
He says a lot of work has gone into securing a solid wood supply for the sawmill, stressing Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford and Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry John Yakabuski have been leaders to eliminate government red-tape and make it easier to do business.
Kursman adds market conditions have also improved.
He notes investments were made during the shutdown to allow for the mill restart.
The facility was idled in 2019 with a skeleton staff remaining on-site.
