Smiths Falls aims to “alleviate the stress” following Canopy closure, layoffs

During Monday evening’s Committee of the Whole meeting in Smiths Falls, Chief Administrative Officer Malcolm Morris addressed the town’s response to last Thursday’s announcement from Canopy Growth regarding their intended layoffs and restructuring.

“We’re trying to alleviate the stresses that befell employees of Canopy last week,” CAO Morris said, adding that the town has reached out to several workforce partners and provincial ministries to help facilitate job searches for all those affected.

Smiths Falls Department of Tourism and Economic Development is already in the process of creating a job fair. 

Town staff has also reached out to Canopy Growth for further discussion. “We want to find out what the fate of 1 Hershey Drive will be – what their decision will be on the property.”  Canopy Growth announced they will be vacating their flagship location at the site of the former Hershey chocolate factory, but continuing to run with a significantly reduced number of staff in their Lorne Street facility. 

The large plant at 1 Hershey Drive has long been a major employer in Smiths Falls. “Hopefully in the not too distant future we will have people working out of that facility in some capacity,” commented CAO Morris.

Article by Janelle Labelle

Author: Hometown News