Hamilton...Maple Leaf says NO!
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Maple Leaf Says No To Hamilton
Nov, 22 2005 - 2:00 PM
HAMILTON (AM900 CHML) - A Hamilton politician blames over-the-top rhetoric on the part of certain members of the community.

Councillor Terry Whitehead is expressing disappointment, following Maple Leaf Foods decision to withdraw its application to buy land in the Glanbrook Industrial Park.

The company issued a news release Tuesday morning, saying it feels there is sufficient but not strong government or community confidence in the process.

Mayor Larry Di Ianni suggests that the announcement could scare away even more potential investors, warning that businesses talk to businesses and this will do nothing to enhance Hamilton's reputation.

Whitehead adds that the city loses the potential of more than 3-and-a-half million dollars in annual taxes, calling this one of the most disappointing points of his political career.

A public relations spokesperson with Maple Leaf, says the company will now take some time to consider other options for updating its Burlington pork processing plant.

Linda Kuhn confirms that could mean updating that aging facility, or looking at greenfield sites in other communities.

A group of residents which has been fighting the Maple Leaf proposal, describes this as a "great day for the city".

Citizens Aganst Pig Slaughterhouses spokesman Bob Smith encourages Hamilton to move on and bring in high-tech and other non-polluting businesses.

Smith also dismisses the Mayor's warning that this will scare away other businesses, insisting that the city is better positioned than it has been to grow the economy.

He feels that the biggest deterrent to investors has been a lack of shovel-ready land in Hamilton, something which is now being addressed.

Smith adds that Maple Leaf's withdrawal also saves the city from a costly Ontario Municipal Board hearing.

- Ken Mann

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