Leamington should buy the Heinz building to manufacture products made from our locally grown produce.
We have an abundance of agricultural products grown in this community. Why not buy the existing Heinz building and use it for the manufacturing of these products. Shares could be issued to help with the cost of the investment. Let's invest in ourselves and the talents that exist right here in Leamington and the surrounding area.
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Mayor John Paterson commented
I appreciate the comments made here and as things stand, Council has no plan on raising taxes to cover whatever loss will be incurred by the closure of the Heinz plant, at least not in the very near future. Yes, Heinz currently pays about $ 1 million per year but Leamington receives roughly $ 600,000 of that while the balance goes to the County and the School Board. "IF" the plant is completely mothballed, Heinz will still pay taxes but with a reduction of approximately 25% so we as taxpayers will not have to cover $ 1 million dollars per year. It may mean the delay of expansion of trails, sidewalks and other infrastructure items but that is just the reality of the situation and we will all just have to accept that reality. In my discussions with Heinz executives they said straight up that local taxes were not a negative factor in their production costs considerations. In fact they lauded Leamington Council and Administration for their continued efforts in working with Heinz to make it more affordable for them to operate in our Municipality. Using taxpayers money to buy the plant is not a consideration. The last thing any of us taxpayers should want is a Municipally run food processing plant. That in my opinion must be left to private industry. Where Council and the Municipality will play an important role is in attracting a business or several businesses to replace the jobs lost and that may take some time, but those efforts are already well under way. When all is said and done, Leamington may have 44 acres of Industrially zoned property shovel ready, fully serviced and ready for development. The possibilities are endless. Mayor John Paterson, Leamington, Ontario.
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L. Young commented
Raising taxes in this community to offset Heinz closing will only be another step in the demise of this once beautiful community. Leamington is already loosing residents due to too high taxes compared to other close communities.
Until Mr. Buffet and his company decide what to do with the Heinz buildings...any ideas concerning them are up in the air. He more than likely would not welcome competition from one of his former plants.
Mr. Buffet stated in one article he was moving part of the Leamington production to the St Marys plant due to "PRODUCTION COSTS". That should be a message to the union, provincial government and Leamington administration, to one of the reasons this plant is closing after a 100 years plus. -
stan commented
The employees and public should form a co-op to keep the plant open.I would buy a canadian made product.
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A King commented
I expect a lot from my Municipality, including responsible leadership, financial responsibility and good services. What I DON'T expect is a leap into commercial enterprises that are best left to private investors. What I want right now is a viable plan on how the Town will handle a one million dollar shortfall in revenue in the event that Heinz plant is not reopened to at least some extent.
I understand that my own priorities like bike paths and a new Senior Center may be put on hold but that is the nature of financial restraint when there is a money flow problem. Higher taxes are not the simple solution for the 750 new unemployed -
Anonymous commented
I agree 100%. I will personally invest in this venture.