Lumbering was one of the major industries in the area, and many families were gainfully employed in this business (either as bush workers, or in the saw mill operations). One of the largest local sawmills was that of Ed Walls. The sawmill was located near the present government dock in Gros Cap, and the loading dock was west of Daigle's dock. As this sawmill operation was considered a benefit to the community, he was exempted from paying taxes on this mill in 1897.

His daughter Blanche Opper said that she remembers living in Gros Cap during the winter when the logging operations took place. They lived in the cookhouse, next to the bunkhouse (where the O'Dell home is presently located). Blanche recalled that the logs were taken by tug to the Sault. this sawmill was eventually dismantled, sold and shipped to Bruce Mines.