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Everyone in attendance was expecing to hear something good, something big, something amazing.

Enlarge Photo

But it didn't happen.

Instead what we heard were assurances something good, something big, something amazing was going to be announced in a few weeks.

On Friday people representing Miramichi and area businesses and all levels of government had lunch at the Miramichi Golf and Country Club with Business New Brunswick Minister Greg Byrne.

Many came believing Byrne was going to make an announcement. But there were many in the room who knew he wasn't going to.

Instead Byrne told us Miramichi wasn't going to be forgotten and he and others would be back with big news.

So what is the big news. Many around town are wondering aloud just what could be coming to the former UPM mill site.

We've had hints from many people. Last week Natural Resources Minister Donald Arseneault said they were considering combining the wood allocations for the former Weyerhaeuser and UPM mills to create an opportunity.

The big question — just what is that opportunity?

Another highly placed government source said the announcement, rumoured to be made this Wednesday, had to be delayed a few weeks because they had encountered some hiccups.

Minister Byrne told us Friday there would be people working at the UPM mill site and in some of those buildings.

Minister Arsenault said it would be "unique," and hinted it may not necessarily be forestry related.

"It's important as we move forward that we take the proponent that will ensure the most economic impact for the community, ensure some stability and also even some diversification of the economy of the Miramichi," he said.

But while we are all excited about the big pending announcement and we have to wonder what is going to happen to the Weyerhaeuser site. Arbec Forest Products Inc., a Quebec-based company, says it wants to acquire the mill but needs a crown wood allocation to do it.

The company owns sawmills and pulpmills in our neighbouring province and obviously sees potential here hence the reason for the many visits and meetings with government officials to make it happen.

"They know we have a deadline. We are awaiting their decision and are having talks with them on an ongoing basis...we are still working with them to find a solution," said Arbecs' vice-president of finance and administration.

Arsenault acknowledges receiving Arbec's proposal and says the proposal will be given renewed consideration if the other proposal does not come through.

So do we let one thing go to acquire another. Could the government not work to make both things a reality for Miramichi?

After Minister Byrnes's speech on Friday Miramichi Mayor Gerry Cormier said he was happy to know something was on its way for Miramichi.

Well, we are happy too. And while we can't wait for it to happen let's hope the government can make both projects a reality so we can have renewed activity at mill sites on both sides of the river.