The Town of Amherstburg will require provincial approval before it can access or direct funding tied to the closure of its Crown Royal bottling plant, Mayor Michael Prue announced Monday night.
Province Takes Control of Settlement Funds
During a council meeting, Prue explained that the Ontario government will have the final say on how the $500,000 earmarked for Amherstburg is ultimately used. “What this means is that council can only recommend to Diageo, and the province will decide what to do with the funds,” Prue said. “It's taken out of our hands. So, even the $500,000 that was negotiated, which we were supposed to be able to spend on things, the province will now determine how that is to be spent… our role was quite limited tonight.”
Background of the Diageo Settlement
Diageo closed its bottling plant earlier this year, laying off approximately 200 employees. In February, the company reached a $23-million settlement with the Ford government to ensure its products remain on LCBO shelves. Premier Doug Ford had previously threatened to remove Crown Royal whisky from LCBO stores. Under the deal, Amherstburg is set to receive $500,000, while Invest WindsorEssex will receive an additional $500,000 for economic development focused on Amherstburg and surrounding areas. The remainder of the funding is being directed elsewhere in the province.
Council Reactions
Councillor Don McArthur expressed frustration, stating, “Doug Ford climbed on the backs of the workers, he poured out that bottle of Crown Royal, says he was going to use the leverage they had, all these bottles on the shelves to help save that plant, then he didn't even come to town. Then $23 million going elsewhere in the province and only $500,000 coming here with strings attached. I know when that deal was announced that took away a lot of leverage that the town had, that the workers had.”
An update from Diageo arrived just hours before council was set to debate how the money should be used. In an email read to council, the company said it appreciated “the collaborative approach being taken.” Diageo added it remains focused on supporting initiatives that create “lasting positive benefits” for Amherstburg residents, describing the funding as part of broader commitments made in partnership with the province.
Community Input
Nicolette Dufour, a retired Diageo employee who worked at the plant for 41 years, urged council to consider directing funding to Amherstburg Community Services. “It was their (the workers) loss that made this funding available,” Dufour said. “A number of retirees have made suggestions as to where the money would have the best impact. Many made weekly contributions to local charities… these contributions will no longer be made.”
Proposed Uses for Funding
Council agreed on five potential uses for the $500,000, which will be forwarded to Diageo and the province for consideration:
- Expanding the Amherstburg riverfront with new amenities and outdoor features
- Donating the full amount to Amherstburg Community Services
- Creating a charitable funding program that would provide $60,000 annually for eight years to support local organizations
- Investing in infrastructure improvements
- Supporting economic development initiatives
