Proponents from across the country have put forward ideas to repurpose the Crofton mill, including manufacturing, real estate and commercial uses. Domtar previously announced the mill would cease production, a move that would result in the loss of about 350 jobs and millions of dollars in property tax revenue for North Cowichan. Mayor Rob Douglas said the municipality would prefer to see industrial activity resume at the site to help bring workers back, but remains open to any proposal that would generate revenue and support the community. …Douglas said several companies have expressed interest since Domtar announced the closure last year, and discussions with the premier and other members of the provincial government have left him optimistic about the site’s future. …Ideas under consideration include another mill, an employee ownership model similar to Harmac in Nanaimo, real estate development, manufacturing facilities and a racetrack.

Related coverage in the Cowichan Valley Citizen, by Robert Barron: Job fair for workers at Crofton pulp mill planned for Jan. 15