Amherstburg Officials Demand Control Over Diageo Settlement Funds
Amherstburg officials push back on restrictions tied to Diageo settlement funds
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Amherstburg officials are asserting that the town council should dictate the use of a $500,000 settlement from Diageo following the closure of its bottling plant, which resulted in approximately 165 job losses. Concerns have arisen over potential restrictions imposed by Diageo, with local leaders emphasizing the need for transparency and community input in fund allocation.
- 01The $500,000 settlement is part of a broader provincial agreement with Diageo after the closure of the Amherstburg facility.
- 02Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb insists that only the Amherstburg Town Council should decide on the fund's use, rejecting any influence from Diageo.
- 03Mayor Michael Prue criticized the overall settlement distribution, noting that Amherstburg received only 2% of the total $23 million settlement.
- 04The agreement includes an additional $500,000 for economic development initiatives through Invest Windsor-Essex.
- 05Residents have voiced concerns about Diageo's continued influence over the settlement funds despite the plant's closure.
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In Amherstburg, Ontario, local officials are advocating for the town council to have full control over a $500,000 settlement from Diageo, following the closure of its bottling plant that resulted in the loss of about 165 jobs. Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb emphasized that the decision on how to utilize these funds should rest solely with the council, not Diageo, stressing the need for transparency in the aftermath of a significant economic loss for the community. Mayor Michael Prue echoed these sentiments, criticizing the provincial settlement's allocation, which saw Amherstburg receiving only 2% of the total $23 million settlement. He expressed hope that the funds would honor the affected workers. The agreement also includes an additional $500,000 for economic initiatives through Invest Windsor-Essex, totaling $1 million for community development. However, residents have raised concerns regarding Diageo's potential influence over the funding decisions, questioning why the company would retain a say after leaving the community. Local leaders are committed to ensuring that the funds are used in a manner that reflects the community's needs and priorities.
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The settlement funds could provide much-needed financial support for community projects and economic development in Amherstburg, directly impacting residents affected by the plant closure.
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