MNR says they can't allocate fibre to Smooth Rock Falls

The town of Smooth Rock Falls in northeastern Ontario is trying to recreate its economic base after Tembec has closed the mill in town in 2006.

A co-operative initiative was underway in the town with the financial backing and sound business plan to recreate employment in the community.

Unfortunately the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has rejected the co-operative's request for access to 700,000 cubic metres of combined ground timber and biomass.

MNR Minister Donna Cansfield stated in May that fibre allocation would not be a problem. Now, however, ministry staff has informed the co-operative that they did not have the legal authority or ability under the current tenure process to grant us any fibre allocation, that it would have to be done through business to business relationship with the current SFL holders.

“How does this town ask the Smooth Rock Falls Economic Development Corporation to seek out new business opportunities when the resources that this community was found on are not available for new business ventures?” Mayor Kevin Somer has asked. “It’s tough.”

Source:

Back to the drawing board in Smooth Rock Falls (The Daily Press)