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."