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Stratford glass plant on hold

Xinyi Canada’s proposal to build a $400 million float glass plant in Stratford, Ont., is on indefinite hold following delays by city council to vote on a cost-sharing agreement, CTV News Kitchener is reporting. Council claims the Ontario COVID lockdown is somehow interfering with its ability to make a decision.

The proposal has met opposition from residents concerned about the plant’s environmental impact and the zoning process. A prominent musician is leading the charge.

This is Xinyi’s second attempt to make a deal with a southern Ontario municipality to locate 300 jobs in the province. Guelph, Ont., rejected Xinyi’s proposal in 2018 on the grounds the plant would use too much groundwater. Frank Fulton had some choice words about that one.

Xinyi says its proposed plant meets all relevant environmental regulations. If this isn’t true, no one has presented evidence to that effect.

Hey Ontario municipalities! Anyone want 300 jobs and a $400 million investment? Anyone? Anyone?