The Mayor of Kapuskasing says Friday’s announcement by GM to close the test centre is a disappointment to the community and the region. Dave Plourde says he hopes to hear more from General Motors in the coming weeks regarding the facility and what the next steps are.
“GM has been a pillar in our community for the last 50 years,” he said. “We’ve enjoyed their presence. We’re talking 25 employees approximately and spin-off jobs that are probably equal to that amount.”
Plourde says not only is it felt on those people losing their jobs but also on the town’s tax base where the facility was a substantial large piece of property.
“You know GM is a large taxpayer in our community,” he said. “You know upwards of $100,000 a year comes out of taxation of the facility itself. And any loss is too much especially for our community our size.”
