Fort St. James declares financial emergency

Jul 18, 2019 | 12:09 PM

FORT ST. JAMES, B.C. – The closure of the Conifex mill in Fort St. James has forced that municipality to take some extraordinary measures.In late June, Conifex announced the sale of its mill in that community to Hampton Lumber. That sale is contingent on approval of the Province. If it goes through, Hampton plans to re-build the existing mill. But it takes years to build a sawmill and 220 workers in that mill will be out of work for the duration. It means the District of Fort St. James has declared a state of local financial crisis.

Specifically, the declaration reads:

WHEREAS there is a financial crisis caused by the closure of a Sawmill in the District of Fort St. James;
AND WHEREAS this financial crisis impacts the daily lives, financial wellbeing, and security of those impacted;
AND WHEREAS the financial crisis requires the prompt coordination of action or special support to persons or property to protect the health, safety, or welfare of people;
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that a state of local financial crisis exists in the District of Fort St. James due to the closure of the Sawmill;
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT the District of Fort St. James its employees, servants, and agents are empowered to do all the acts and implement all the procedures under the jurisdiction of the District of Fort St. James that are considered necessary to prevent or to alleviate the effects of the local crisis.
ORDERED by the Mayor of the District of Fort St. James this July 16th, 2019 to remain in force for thirty days until August 15th, 2019 at midnight unless cancelled by the Mayor of the District of Fort St. James.

Those impacted by this financial crisis may seek assistance from any of the resources attached to this declaration.

Fort St. James declares financial emergency

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