Amherstburg Council to Decide Use of $500,000 from Diageo Deal

Crown Royal bottling facility. The provincial government reached an agreement with Diageo under which Crown Royal whisky would remain on LCBO shelves in exchange for a $23 million investment, primarily in the province's alcohol and agriculture sectors.

As part of that agreement, $500,000 was directed to the economic development group Invest WindsorEssex and another $500,000 to Amherstburg for community projects.

A staff report states the money cannot be used for health care, advocacy, lobbying, religious organizations, or youth services. Possible uses include local economic development, community infrastructure, tourism, heritage, and culture. The report also notes that once council provides direction, Diageo will require a submission outlining the project for review and determination of next steps.

Gibb posted on social media on May 18 that he was concerned about the requirement for Diageo approval. He told CBC News the community wants the funds used as Amherstburg council decides. "After all is said and done and everything that the premier has said and done on this file, I was really caught off guard that Diageo had any sort of say in the matter," Gibb said.

Doug Benekritis, former Diageo chair for Unifor Local 200, said the money should have gone directly to the nearly 200 workers who lost their jobs in February. Diageo did not respond to a request for comment.