A unique fixture of Prince Edward County is shutting down operations.
News broke on Thursday that Highline Mushrooms was closing their wellington site putting just under 300 people out of work.
The writing was on the wall, in a way, when the on-site store closed fairly recently, and then the hammer came down last week.
In a statement Friday, Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette said he is devastated about to close the Wellington facility at the end of the year, and that affected employees should contact his office.
PEC Mayor Steve Ferguson said it best when he said “Highline is one of the largest employers in Prince Edward County. Its loss will be felt in the local economy and the broader community.”
Three generations of people have worked at Highline over the years since it opened in the early 70’s. Three people I know of among my co-workers alone spent some of their younger years harvesting and packaging mushrooms there.
It was not only a thriving and focused agri-business, but one of the largest private sector employers in all of Prince Edward County. It’s not something that can be easily replicated.
My thoughts go out to everyone affected by the pending closure, which not only takes away a vital and generational business, but signals the end of something unique which provided good employment for people of all ages.
Mushrooms can grow in many places, but a legacy like this is very hard to cultivate, and even more difficult to replace.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
(PAUL MARTIN)
