The province has retained an external consultant with expertise in the pulp and paper sector to assess options for the Crofton mill site, B.C.’s Forest Minister Ravi Parmar told North Cowichan’s council during a meeting on Dec. 10. Parmar also discussed the possibility of a new owner acquiring the property to resume pulp and paper production, or repurposing the property for another industrial use, the municipality said in a statement. “Given the significant implications for our community, we have requested that North Cowichan be actively involved at all stages of this work and in any discussions or decisions related to the future of the site,” North Cowichan said. North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas said they are continuing to work with the provincial and federal governments to secure transition funding and support for the mill workers.