Terrace Bay Town Hall event updates residents on future plans and challenges.

Residents gathered recently for a town hall meeting led by Mayor Malashewski and the local council to discuss the future of the community, ranging from economic stability to the physical upkeep of the town. The meeting, which featured updates on various municipal projects and a lengthy question-and-answer period, highlighted a community striving for growth despite significant industrial challenges.

The ongoing instability of the local mill remains a primary concern for both officials and residents. The township is entering its third year dealing with the mill’s closure, which has resulted in a loss of approximately $1.4 million in revenue, representing 39% of the total taxation. Additionally, the mill previously accounted for 22% of the town’s water revenue, leaving a substantial gap in the budget.Mayor Malashewski emphasized that the council is working with senior levels of government to find a “positive solution,” but noted that the provincial government is “gun shy” about providing further funding after previous owners walked away from large investments. The town is currently seeking a “viable operator” with a sustainable business plan rather than a short-term fix. In the meantime, the Community Development Committee is exploring funding for a dedicated economic development position to help diversify the town’s economy.

With an aging population, the need for supportive housing has become a top priority. Councillor Webb reported that the Supportive Housing Committee officially restarted in January to address concerns about seniors being forced to leave the community due to a lack of local care options.The town has completed a necessary “housing needs assessment,” a key document required to access federal funding through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). While a previous estimate for a supportive housing facility reached $18 million, the administration is now looking for “seed funding” to design a project that is “shovel ready” for future infrastructure grants. The goal is to provide local seniors with affordable, subsidized units that allow them to remain in Terrace Bay.