Efforts to revive the former NewPage paper mill passed another hurdle Monday night after Richmond County Council voted in favour of drastically reducing the new owner’s taxes.
The county has agreed to reduce Pacific West’s taxes by roughly 50 per cent to an average of about $1.4 million annually.
Deputy Warden Victor David says taxpayers will have to make up the difference, but council will try to minimize the effects.
“The interests of the residents of Richmond County and the Strait area are foremost in our minds,” says David. “It has to be a very delicate balance between all parties.”
The mill in Point Tupper, N.S. has been closed since September 2011 and some area residents say they are anxious to see it re-open.
“We’re looking forward to seeing people back on the employment lines, coming in for renovations to their homes, bringing back some stability to the business community,” says local hardware store employee Melody Rooyakkens.
A company spokesperson says the mill is in “great shape to restart” and will be calling back employees this week.
The deal has yet to be approved by Nova Scotia’s Utility and Review Board.
