Officials in Ayr are optimistic that the village will be able to weather the loss of 160 jobs.
Maple Lodge Farms plans to shut down its Niagara Grain and Feed operation later this month, putting 30 people out of work.
In a nearby industrial park near Cedar Creek Road and Highway 401, heavy crane operator Mammoet plans to move its operation to Aberfoyle, taking 130 jobs with it.
Residents like Jerry Covemaeker say the double whammy is a concern.
“It is a loss for our community,” he says.
“It’s sad to see industry going away from a small, rural community … but hopefully there will be other opportunities.”
Other opportunities are also what North Dumfries Mayor Rob Deutschmann is banking on.
He says he’s heard from two groups interested in the Mammoet site, and hopes a deal can be reached to keep some sort of work at the facility.
“It’s not doom and gloom at all. It’s important – we should learn from these situations – but just as one leaves, another one is coming,” Deutschmann tells CTV News.
There hasn’t been as much interest in the Maple Lodge site – which could be due to its 70-year-old age and a general lack of demand for feed mills – but Deutschmann says it’s possible commercial or residential uses could be found for the property.
Deutschmann says township officials are meeting with remaining businesses to learn about and address any concerns they may have.
