CK’s Storey Expresses Concern Over Potential Closure of Enbridge Office

The potential closure of Enbridge Gas’s Chatham office has raised significant concerns among local officials. Chatham-Kent councillor Alysson Storey expressed her dismay, emphasizing the negative impact this could have on the community.

Concerns Over Enbridge Office Closure

Storey conveyed her fears in an interview, stating that the proposed closure would be the worst economic news for Chatham-Kent in the past 25 years. She drew parallels to the decline and eventual shutdown of the Navistar plant, indicating a deep-rooted crisis for local employment.

Job Impact

While Storey could not provide an exact figure, she mentioned that the closure could affect several hundred positions. She has called on the Chatham-Kent council to take action to retain these jobs. Storey highlighted the importance of maintaining local employment, stating, “Every job in Chatham-Kent is important; every company is important. We should be fighting for these jobs.”

Enbridge’s Internal Communication

Following the news of the possible closure, Enbridge leadership communicated with employees at both the Chatham and London offices. An anonymous source shared a copy of this internal message with Emegypt. The message explained that the London office lacks sufficient space for all staff, necessitating the search for a larger facility.

Discussions are ongoing regarding the possibility of relocating some or all Chatham employees to this future location. However, no decisions have been finalized at this time. The leadership noted that if a move is determined, the design and construction of a new space could take several years.

Next Steps for Local Officials

Storey hopes to engage in discussions with Enbridge to explore solutions that could prevent job losses. Her proactive stance reflects the urgency of the situation as the community braces for the potential impact of this corporate decision.