Prince George, B.C. – Houston is showing its resilience in the face of this year’s mill closure.

That’s according to a new study funded and released by the provincial government this week.

The report acknowledges the West Fraser shutdown cost 225 direct jobs and 300 indirect jobs but also states the district has weathered the closure quite well.

“The other forest products manufacturing companies in town absorbed a number of the downsized workers while other skilled workers found work in the industrial construction and other natural resource sectors in the region,” states the report.

“The District’s quick action to bring together key stakeholders and secure funding to support worker transition activities and training funds from the Ministry of Advance Education has also supported those impacted by the mill closure.”

Moving forward the report states Houston’s greatest challenge will be to address the skills shortage, by continuing to support workers through job fairs and training, and through a “work where you live campaign that will help attract, recruit and retain workers to the community.”

United Steelworkers Local 1-425 president Frank Everitt says he’s pleased with the reports findings.

“When you have a large operation like that shut down it’s very difficult for people to find alternate employment.”

In addition he says it was a relief many of those workers were able to find work at the Canfor in town though not at full time hours quite yet.

“They’ve been hired but they’re getting what I would say is sparse employment. But that will improve over time and they’ll hopefully get full time employment.They’re looking forward to that day I’m sure.”

And Houston Mayor Shane Brienen says the new report has the district on the right track.

“With funding from the Province of B.C., this Labour Market Partnership report will help the District of Houston plan for the future by attracting workers, getting people trained for jobs and helping businesses and industry fill positions with qualified people.”