Grewall said in an interview with the Alaska Highway News that work will commence at a 140-acre site recently purchased in Taylor near the present Mighty Peace Grain Company elevators. Construction is slated to begin on or before May 1st, weather permitting.
During its construction the mill will employ approximately 30 men. Once finished, however, it will provide jobs for 150. It is due to be in operation by November 30th and Grewall said as many local men as possible will be hired.
During his visit this week to Fort St. John Grewall presented letters from Hon. Ray Williston, Minister of Lands and Forests, outlining timber potential in this area. The minister states that once work has commenced on the mill proceedings can begin on the sale of cutting rights for a five-year period. The mill will require eight million cubic feet of annual timber commitment. As one of the terms of its establishment, the mill had also agreed to sell its chips on a first refusal basis to Northwood Pulpmills of Prince George. This agreement, also on five-year term, is subject to revision whenever the market becomes such that it is feasible to establish a pulp mill in the Peace River Block.
It has, as well, a five-year lumber sale agreement with Balfour Guthrie (Canada Ltd.) who will act as its marketing agent. This agreement covers a production of 40 million board feet of lumber per year. On top of this, Grewall said the mill will be cutting an additional 10 million board feet per year for local consumption.
The timber units the sawmill is primarily interested in are the Peace River Sustained Yield Unit, about 30 miles west of Taylor and the Wapiti Block, about 35 miles south of Chetwynd. Grewall said the company will also be purchasing timber from all around the district and from private holders.
To house the mill’s key personnel home building sites have been purchased in Taylor and the firm plans on putting up some 15 company houses. Grewall, a 33-year-old businessman is the chief driving force behind the project.