Although news of more layoffs in the forestry sector was announced in Atikokan, the small community of 2,000, located about 150 kilometres west of Thunder Bay, is looking for new opportunities.
On Aug. 15, Proboard Ltd. announced the layoff of 120 workers from its particle board plant in Atikokan.
“Hopefully this is just temporary market conditions,” says Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown, pointing out that 13 other particle board plants have been closed throughout North America. “If this is just a temporary thing, that’s fine, but if this goes on longer, that could be a problem.”
Atikokan has been hard hit by layoffs in recent months. On June 7, Atikokan Forest Products announced the layoff of 147 employees from its 250-person Buchanan Group operation. Brown says a meeting is planned between community, business and government leaders to discuss future options for Atikokan to diversify its economy.
“We’re gearing up our tourism industry,” he says, adding Quetico Provincial Park is a nearby attraction.
Consideration is also being given to marketing Atikokan as the canoeing capital of Canada.
