Not a pretty picture ...

but you already knew that, right ? Ya, me too.

The consultant's report on what should be done to fill the soon-to-be-vacant Hershey Chocolate factory in Smiths Falls does not sugarcoat the difficulties the town faces, that's for sure.

Great, the long-awaited report ... whaddya got fer us ?

....the 40-page report by the firm of Millier, Dickinson, Blais notes that the high Canadian dollar and stiff competition from low-wage countries

OK ..

Smiths Falls' overall education levels fall well below provincial averages and are not consistent with what will be required,"

We're dumb ... that's nice. Onward....

In the case of Smiths Falls, the issue takes on added importance because of the upcoming closure of the Rideau Regional Centre, which with 800 workers is the town's largest employer.

Yep, knew that... but you forgot about Burritts Rapids Correctional Drug Treatment Facility. Everybody does. 300 good jobs went there too. Thanks McGuinty, you f'in anus.

Anyhoo, the report .... So Mr. Hotshot consultant since your so goddam smart and we're all so f'in stupid out here in the sticks .... whaddya got for us......

What DO we DO ?

"the town play a larger role in marketing the Hershey property and that it needs to improve its economic development efforts, which are not currently at the "gold standard."

Holy ol' jeezus ... WHAT -- THAT'S IT ????

OOOOOPPPPS: Just this gem ....

"the suggestion that the town consider purchasing the plant if a buyer can't be found "

Ummm, no. But then again ... it would be a better investment in the Town than a $$ 9 million $$ rink.

But still, no. And not the rink, either.


As far as I know, that's it for the report. Like any of us didn't know all that already ? I wonder what it cost ? (not a whole lot more than the paper I hope)Uggghhhh. I don't think I wanna know. If I were a ratepayer in SF, I'd be demanding my money back.

By the way ... you CANNOT download a copy of the 40 page report from the Town's website.

It isn't there.