Destroyed Wellington North sawmill to make big comeback

KENILWORTH – James Martin of JM Lumber and Pallet is determined to rebuild a sawmill lost in a Feb. 29 fire.

Flames tore through the 8,400-square-foot building in the early morning hours and destroyed it, causing around $2 million in damage and leaving little more than a foundation.

Not only will Martin rebuild, but the building will be bigger than ever, at 12,000 square feet.

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Wellington North council, absent Mayor Andy Lennox, approved Martin’s request on March 25 to make an exception to a zoning rule that limited the allowable floor space of the building.

“We just decided now is the time to do it if we’re going to do it,” Martin told councillors.

“We were crowded for space; I guess that’s kind of the reason we’re putting a wee bit more footage there.”