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Resolute Forest Products

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BC-based Forestry Company to Acquire Resolute F.P.

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Resolute Forest Products is being sold.

The BC-based Paper Excellence Group says it has entered into an agreement to acquire Resolute.

The deal is worth an estimated $2.7 billion U.S.

Under the agreement, Resolute will continue to operate its mills under its name but will become a subsidiary under Domtar, that Paper Excellence acquired last year.

Resolute operates a pulp and paper mill in Thunder Bay and sawmills in Thunder Bay, Ignace and Sapawe. Domtar has operations in Dryden.

There are no changes expected to the management team, which will remain at Resolute’s headquarters in Montreal.

The deal still needs to be signed off by shareholders, with a vote planned for this fall.

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Bridge Sale Concerning For Fort Frances

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A Fort Frances town councillor wants federal government involvement in the sale of the bridge linking the town with International Falls.

Resolute Forest Products recently announced to the town that it wants to sell off its share of the bridge.
Councillor Doug Judson is now putting forward a resolution for council to consider on Monday night.

“It essentially calls for the involvement of senior levels of government to make sure that any sale process surrounding the bridge respects our community’s interest and ideally leads to a more accessible border crossing and more affordable border crossing in the future,” says Judson.

The resolution also calls on Canada to work with the U.S. government to acquire the bridge and remove the tolls.

Resolute shares ownership with Boise Inc. on the U.S. side.

Talk of a sale also surfaced more than 15 years ago.

That led to a working group with Fort Frances and International Falls municipal officials exploring the idea of a new bridge.

Judson notes a report that then identified the need for major rehabilitation work.

“I believe that it’s been locally understood that’s why we face such exorbitant tolls to cross this bridge is to fund that work. So, it concerns me that the owner is walking out the door after all of that money has been collected over such a significant period of time,” says Judson.

Members of the Fort Frances Economic Advisory Committee discussed the bridge’s pending sale at their meeting last week.

Councillor John McTaggart says it’s important for the northwest to have that bridge accessible.

“It’s the only access to the U.S. for one-hundred kilometres to the west and over 300 kilometres to the east, and we have to make sure that it’s it’s available,” says McTaggart.

The privately-owned bridge has long been a topic of discussion on both side of the border.
A citizen’s group formed in 1999 to advocate for a new bridge when the town made zoning and street changes for a new Canada Customs facility.

According to public reports, the town of Fort Frances received letters from the bridge’s owners stating they would not oppose plans for a new bridge.

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Seniors Facility Set To Be Erected In Atikokan

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Shovels in the ground as the work continues on a venture that’s being hailed as the ‘largest capital project in decades’ for Atikokan.

Several dignitaries on hand in the town to unveil Aspen Court Seniors Living facility.

Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown

It’ll be 38,000 square feet and will feature:

  • 38 single and double occupancy units
  • Community kitchen and lounge
  • Treatment room for visiting physicians and health practitioners
  • Outdoor walking paths

“I believe 2009 when the town hall was opened was the last time we had a big building like this built in our town. This is just fantastic, especially for the seniors, because this is something we’ve wanted for a long time,” remarks Mayor Dennis Brown.

A few organizations (pictured) helped kick off the Capital Fundraising Campaign as organizers hope to raise $200,000 to help with construction and equipment.

“Every person deserves a safe, affordable place to call home, especially in the later years of life,” notes Jim Turner, Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee. “In the town of Atikokan and surrounding northwest region, seniors are a growing demographic. Most have lived, worked and raised families in our smaller northern communities. In retirement, seniors continue to be essential contributors to our social and economic fabric.”

Officials touting job numbers as well with this project. Once the building is opened six full time and two part-time positions will be created that include personal support workers, community programmers, administration and maintenance staff.

When it comes to fundraising, those on the fundraising committee believe area residents, businesses and organizations will help reach the $200,000 goal by 2021.

If you’d like to donate click here

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Resolute Supporting Ignace And Atikokan

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Resolute Forest Products is helping coronavirus community response efforts in Ignace and Atikokan.

The local sawmills have made a donation to support healthcare professionals and organizations during the crisis.

In Ignace, Blessings in a Backpack and the Mary Berglund Community Health Centre Hub Food Bank are each receiving $2,500.

Blessings in a Backpack provides elementary school children with nutritional food for the weekend during the school year, and now, during the pandemic.

Spokesperson Jeanne Bryan says “I wish to thank Resolute for their generous gift to help us through the pandemic, especially given the extra strain the virus has had no funding.”

The Food Bank program provides non-perishable food times to registered individuals as well as those in emergency situations.

Health Centre Executive Director Heidi West says “The Mary Berglund Community Health Centre Hub Food Bank is extremely grateful to Resolute for the very generous donation to support our most vulnerable citizens during these uncertain times.”

Ignace Sawmill Manager Robert Halverson says “Community organizations are working overtime to support vulnerable populations. Our donation will help local initiatives on the ground deploy resources to where they are needed most.”

The Atikokan General Hospital is receiving a $3,000, including $1,000 from employees’ Athletic Association.

Hospital Finance Clerk Cyndy Ellek says “We wish to thank Resolute’s Atikokan Sawmill for their generous donation to the Atikokan General Hospital Foundation for COVID-19 relief.”

Sawmill Manager Gregory Curniski says “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a sense of stress and concern weighing on everyone. We are mindful of the challenges our employees, business partners and communities may be facing as we navigate this difficult situation together.”