Amherstburg's mayor says everyone seemed to make out like a bandit in last week's agreement with Diageo, except the workers and the Town of Amherstburg.
Of the $23-million announced in the deal, only $500,000 is going to the town.
"There are millions of dollars for bottling plants in Toronto and in Eastern Ontario. There's $5-million in advertising for the Province of Ontario during the FIFA World Cup, and there's $500,000 for Amherstburg," said Michael Prue. "It's not even sure the town's going to get it. It says for good works, so it could go to a charity."
Prue said he's had subsequent discussions with Essex MPP Anthony Leardi, who championed the workers and the town when Diageo announced the upcoming plant closure. He's hopeful something more will come from the province for Amherstburg, but when asked if there's any indication that may happen, Prue said, "No."
The Diageo plant in Amherstburg is expected to close next week. As of now, Prue said 101 workers are still at the plant, but that will be wound down in the coming days. He says the last case of Crown Royal came off the line last week.
The plant was put on the market, but Prue said the company refuses to sell to either of the two willing buyers, one of whom said it wanted to keep the workers.
"People are circling around. They want it, but Diageo has not done the necessary to sell it," said Prue. "You have to have a willing seller as well as a willing buyer."
In the meantime, Prue said the town is working very hard to maintain its industrial base by freeing up 700 acres of land on Howard Avenue for industrial development.
