Just days after people on Nova Scotia's South Shore learned the struggling Bowater Mersey paper mill was closing for good; work has begun on finding new economic opportunities for the area.

A transition committee has been formed and discussions have already begun.

Kevin Weagle works in the nearby town of Liverpool, N.S. and he says change is in the air.

"You can sense it, there's a little bit of ‘downness' in the town," says Weagle.

The mill, located in Brooklyn, was the economic pillar on the South Shore for years but more than 300 jobs were lost when the mill shut down for good on the weekend. Another 1,700 employees are affected at three other branches of the company, which include the Brooklyn Power Corporation, Oakhill sawmill and its woodlot operations which will also be closed over the next few weeks.

"I think the town's going to take a little hurt out of it for awhile," says Weagle.

"I think it's very stressful for all the families who have someone who was working there and I think it's going to cause quite a bit of problems in this town," says student Nikita Wallace.

Today it was announced a former chief financial officer with Aliant Telecom and Emera will be leading a transition committee.

The committee is set to explore existing business opportunities in the region, as well as what resources could be put in place to maximize those opportunities.

"Listening to anyone and everyone in the community that feels they have input for us, by consulting in particular with business groups, community groups, political leaders," says transition advisor Ron Smith.

A committee office will be open in the area within a week and business owner Susan Lane hopes it will mean a fresh start for Liverpool and surrounding areas.

Lane manages a third-generation business and while she says the mill's closure will be difficult for everyone, it could also be an opportunity for change.

"You have to diversify, you have to make it affordable, you have to make sure you have something for everyone," she says.

"We need a little boost and I think the people are strong enough around here," says Weagle. "We can bounce back with it, so long as we are just given a little hand."

The committee hopes to have a vision for the region by this fall.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Jacqueline Foster