The mayor of Clinton says the closure of the West Fraser lumber mill in Chasm will be a blow to her community’s local economy.

Susan Swan says about 100 of the 176 people who will be laid off in September lived in and around Clinton, and to add to that, the mill was also the largest contributor to the village’s tax base.

“So that was kind of like a kick in the stomach. My first thought was the poor mill workers. We have a lot of families here, some of which both parents work at the mill,” she said. “It’s definitely going to be a huge blow for them and for the community.”

She adds though added that Clinton is a very resilient community.

“We’ve had disappointments in the past and overcome them,” Swan added. “We’re the type of community where everybody looks out for each other and we help each other through difficult times, and I’m sure we’ll all band together again and do the same thing.”

Clinton village council has a meeting with West Fraser this Thursday to further discuss the company’s shut down plans., and if there’s any way to reverse the decision.

“I’m not going to put any money on that, but there’s no point in laying blame or pointing fingers,” said Swan. “It’s just a matter of everyone working together to get through this.”

Also announced yesterday was a shift reduction in 100 Mile House, affecting another 34 people, which West Fraser anticipates will permanently reduce lumber production by about 314 million board feet.

This recent closure comes in the wake of other mill closures announced in Vavenby and Quesnel, an indefinite mill closure in 100 Mile House, and curtailments at mills in Merritt, Kelowna and other locations.