Ignace residents remain skeptical over Resolute sawmill restart

​The refurbished Resolute sawmill at Ignace has resumed operation, after the company spent $20 million on the upgrade.

But some in the community want to see the plant running at full capacity before doing any celebrating.

About 30 people are now working at the plant, which was idled for nearly eight years. Up to 60 people could be employed when a second shift is added.

But instead of optimism, some are skeptical.

"Well the results of ... working full time means a lot to the community,” said Eugene Naumann, who runs a gift and bait shop on Highway 17.

“But in the short term, the community is sort of hesitant on believing that it's actually going to happen."

Naumann said he's concerned that, if the lumber market drops, the mill will not be viable.

"There's a few people that are working there now. I know people that live in the town that are expecting jobs out there. I know of people that have come back to work there. Now, whether they have employment at this particular time, [that’s] another story."

Sandy Twardowsky echoed his sentiment.

"They've talked about opening the sawmill before, and it's never come to fruition, and we've had our hopes dashed,” she said.

“And now, I think we're all just a little afraid to get too hopeful.”

Twardowsky said it may take a year of operation before the community believes the plant is open for the long-term.