Resolute Forest Products will relinquish its timber rights in the Iroquois Falls area, says John Vanthof, the MPP for the Timiskaming-Cochrane riding.
Vanthof spoke at an April 17 bonfire and rally in Iroquois Falls to voice a demand for reopening a bridge that connects residents to recreational areas on the east side of the Abitibi River.
The economic value of the bridge would increase if it once again would be used to transport wood for use at the future operations at the facility, which Resolute Forest Products closed on December 24.
Vanthof emphasized the importance of finding someone to purchase Resolute’s Iroquois Falls property, which will use wood fibre in its operations.
The Crown Forest Management lands are across the river and the bridge will be vital for conveying the wood to the mill across the river.
There had been fears that Resolute Forest Products would hold on to its Crown timber rights and thereby forgo using them in local commercial operations.
However, Vanthof said he was reassured by Resolute Forest Products’ management during recent meetings that the company has no intention of holding on to its Crown timber rights.
Vanthof said Resolute Forest Products’ Crown Timber Agreement and its economic value is one more chip in the efforts to convince provincial and federal governments to repair and reopen the bridge.
“We talked about wood rights with Minister Bill Mauro of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry,” Vanthof told the crowd.
“We also spoke with Resolute Forest Products and they assured me that they have no interest in holding on their wood rights and will honour their obligations under the Crown timber agreements.”
Vanthof also said it was important to find someone to take ownership of the bridge and undertake the expenses associated with its repairs.
“We are working with (Iroquois Falls) Mayor Michael Shea and council, we have met with Minister Michael Gravelle of Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, and Minister Bill Mauro of Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry,” Vanthof said.
"We are working together to find a solution to keeping the trestle bridge open and it will take time.”
In a spirit of co-operation, Vanthof thanked Minister Gravelle for helping to set up meetings and meeting with him to find ways of rescuing the bridge.
This story was written by Frank Giorno and originally appeared in www.timminstoday.com.
