Dryden braces for job losses

by ANDREW WAREING

Northern Ontario Business

With the loss of over 300 jobs at Weyerhaeuser jobs, Dryden is responding

with the formation of a Community Assistance Partnership (CAP).

The CAP will have representation by the provincial and federal governments,

education, city staff and members of Dryden's commercial sector and

Weyerhaeuser.

"The community of Dryden and area will be significantly impacted by the

loss of over 300 jobs and the city, through CAP will focus on a recovery

plan to create new employment opportunities. It will be critical that

local, provincial, and federal groups work in partnership," says Mayor Sid

Wintle.

On July 15, Weyerhaeuser announced the restructuring of operations at its

Dryden mill. In that announcement, the company stated its sawmill would

close permanently on Oct. 11, affecting approximately 110 hourly employees.

The wood room will continue to operate, supplying chips to the pulp mill.

In addition, about 220 positions in the pulp and paper and converting

operations would be eliminated, effective Oct. 11 to achieve productivity

levels comparable to other competitive pulp and paper mills.

City manager Arie Hoogenboom says the CAP's first meeting is scheduled for

Aug. 12. The aim of the group will be to find more ways to diversify the

economy of Dryden, a city of 8,000 people, and look at programs to increase

education and employment alternatives for those affected by the cutbacks.

Dryden is considered the second most dependent city, relying on the forest

industry for its economy, in Ontario, says Hoogenboom.

"When you look at a major centre like Sudbury, the loss of 300 jobs is

significant, but it isn't a large portion of the population," he says.

"Compare that to 8,000 people in the community; it's a significant hit.

"What we hope to focus on is bringing together all the players to

contribute to the community's recovery," he says.

Hoogenboom adds that there are still negotiations that have to take place

between Weyerhaeuser and the unions representing the workers that might

result in some mitigation of the cuts, such as possible buyout packages.

"The hope is that they will be able to maintain an income level that will

allow them to stay in the community," he says. "We certainly want to keep

them in this community. It's a great place to be."