Amherstburg Council to Discuss Allocation of $500K from Crown Royal Closure Deal
Amherstburg council will debate how to spend Crown Royal closure funds amid backlash
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Amherstburg council is set to debate the allocation of $500,000 from a deal with Diageo following the closure of its Crown Royal bottling facility. Local leaders express concerns over the limited control over fund usage, emphasizing community needs amidst backlash over job losses.
- 01The provincial government negotiated a $23 million deal with Diageo, which includes $500,000 for Amherstburg.
- 02Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb criticized the requirement for Diageo's approval on fund allocation, expressing community discontent.
- 03Possible fund uses include local economic development and community infrastructure, but not healthcare or youth services.
- 04Doug Benekritis, former chair of Unifor Local 200, argues the funds should have been allocated to support the displaced workers.
- 05The council meeting is expected to address how best to utilize the funds to benefit the Amherstburg community.
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The Amherstburg council is preparing to debate the use of $500,000 from a deal with Diageo, following the closure of its Crown Royal bottling facility in February. This funding is part of a larger $23 million agreement aimed at maintaining Crown Royal's availability in Ontario. Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb has raised concerns about a stipulation that requires Diageo's approval on how the funds are spent, which he believes undermines local autonomy. Gibb noted that the community is vocal about wanting the money used according to their needs. Potential projects include local economic development and community infrastructure, but the funds cannot be used for healthcare or youth services. Meanwhile, Doug Benekritis, who represented workers affected by the plant closure, argues that the money should have been directed to support the nearly 200 workers who lost their jobs. The council's discussion is anticipated to reflect the community's priorities and needs.
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The allocation of these funds could significantly affect local economic development and community projects in Amherstburg.
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