Concerns raised over restrictions tied to $500K Amherstburg settlement

The Diageo plant seen in Amherstburg, Ont. on Feb. 25, 2026. (Travis Fortnum/CTV News Windsor)

Concern is being raised in Amherstburg over a requirement that the town submit plans outlining how it intends to spend $500,000 from a provincial settlement with Diageo tied to the closure of a local bottling plant.

A report going to council May 25 says that once a project is selected, the town must send it to Diageo for review and next steps, which could include agreements or meetings.

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb says reaction in the community has been strong.

“I’ve got to say, myself and many, many people in Amherstburg are a little bit upset. And I’ll go so far as to say insulted that we now have to ask permission from Diageo how to invest this $500,000 from the provincial settlement,” Gibb said.

In the report, staff suggest using the funds for the Richmond Street sewer project or a waterfront expansion, saying both align with Diageo’s criteria and would not require additional town funding.

Gibb argues the money should not come with restrictions.

“Diageo representatives have suggested that we can only spend it on local economic development, community infrastructure, tourism, heritage, and culture. Well what if we want to donate it to a local food bank, or we want to donate it to retraining opportunities for people in Amherstburg?” he said.

Gibb added the town had no role in setting the terms of the deal.

“As far as I know this was the deal between the province and Diageo,” he said. “There was no consultation with the Town of Amherstburg, as far as I’m aware of.”

Diageo announced in August 2025 it would close the Amherstburg plant to improve its North American supply chain.

Premier Doug Ford had vowed to remove Crown Royal from LCBO shelves following the closure if the company did not present a plan to retain some jobs in Ontario.

In February, the province reached a $23-million agreement with Diageo that included $1 million for Windsor-Essex for economic development and community projects.

The plant officially closed Feb. 25.