With the NewPage Paper Mill now closed, the community of Port Hawkesbury worries the loss will have a significant impact on the economy and population in the region.
With over a thousand jobs hanging by a thread and some labourers moving out west to find jobs, Mayor Billy Joe MacLean hopes the mill can still be saved.
"There's some worry about can they reach a deal with this company? Will they get a reduction in power rates? Will the government be supportive in terms of assistance for improvements? What are they doing about pensions?"
Though the paper industry supported the town economically, certain people believe other businesses will be able to rise and take advantage of the workers.
Out of the four remaining bidders to take over NewPage, two would sell its assets and two would resume production.
MacLean says discussions with one company in particular, Northern Pulp of Pictou County, have been fairly extensive and feels a deal may soon be signed.
Other employers in the region like Cabot Gypsum in Point Tupper hope they will be able bring in revenue with the gympsum wallboard they produce.
"There will always be people who will be naysayers," said Jim Jenkins, Cabot Gympsum's plant manager. "But I've been doing it for a long time, and I'm pretty comfortable that we can do a very good job here."
While some hope to make it in the region, others still expect a deal to be struck with NewPage in the new year.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ryan MacDonald.
