A proposed poultry packaging plant in Windsor has cleared a hurdle despite concerns from animal rights groups.
Windsor City Council approved a grant application Monday night, from Windsor Freezer Services Ltd. to develop an existing building on Mercer St for a new turkey packaging facility. It is a request by the company to participate in a grant program that encourages business expansion and growth by giving firms municipal tax rebates.
The 30,000 sq ft plant would cost over $8-million to develop, and would employ about 50 people.
Ben Schlegel, the spokesperson for Bellwood Poultry, which would operate the facility, told city council it is a great opportunity for an Ontario-based company to succeed in Windsor.
"Our intention is to provide a facility that is clean, quiet, and an enhancement to the community," said Schlegel.
Some at the council meeting raised questions about the purpose and use of the plant as well as its environmental impact. About a dozen people from the animal rights group, Direct Action Everywhere were present to oppose the grant application.
Group spokesperson, Nicole Rivers told councillors she's not convinced the plant will be good for Windsor.
"Constructing this plant may create a few jobs, but at what cost?" asked Rivers. "The emissions that will undoubtedly be created are harmful to our climate and air quality."
Rivers' group was concerned that the plant would feature an abattoir , and there would be a negative human impact in the form of increased crime and substance abuse.
Schlegel said the facility will not be a slaughterhouse.
"The facility itself will involve no handling of live animals," said Schlegel. "It will serve only as a packaging facility. The product arriving will be whole turkeys already processed, and ready to be packaged into components such as breasts, wings and drumsticks."
Ward 8 Councillor Bill Marra, who brought forth the motion to approve the grant application, told Rivers' group the site was already zoned for such an operation, and the issue on Monday was the approval of the grant request.
The building where the plant will go is the former Windsor Freezer Services facility on Mercer St. and Shepherd St.
Bellwood Poultry purchased the building in 2016.