A Kitchener development company has big plans for the former Schneiders chicken processing plant in Ayr.
The Woodhouse Group has purchased the plant, and though it’s yet to finalize its plans for the massive site, it is sure of one thing – the factory will be torn down.
“We’re very happy to have this opportunity to have this plant taken out of the heart of our community and converted into something other than that, like residential and commercial uses,” North Dumfries Mayor Rob Deutschmann tells CTV.
When the closure was announced in 2012, taking 175 jobs out of Ayr, residents were concerned about the future of their village, but the announcement of plans for the future of the site has residents excited about what’s to come.
“It’s better being torn down and used for something useful than just remaining empty,” says Jenn Dugal.
One idea that’s already been floated is to turn part of the site into apartments for seniors.
“Some housing for an aging population is something that we desperately need in our community,” says Deutschmann.
Resident Leona Henhoeffer agrees, saying it would be a boon to the village.
“There’s a lot of seniors out there who want to get out of their big homes and into smaller homes, something more manageable,” she says.
The sale to The Woodhouse Group is expected to be finalized later this month.
