Mayor Kevin Davis experienced a range of emotions when a deal that keeps SC Johnson in Brantford was finalized this week.
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“We have a long history with SC Johnson,” the mayor said in an interview. “They have contributed generously to the community for decades and they treat their employees really well.
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“There are a lot of great companies in our community but none like SC Johnson.”
So when the city, the company and a developer became embroiled in a highly-publicized land-use dispute Davis and many others became concerned.
“SC Johnson is an outstanding corporate citizen,” Davis said. “They’re loyal to their employees and loyal to the communities in which they operate.
“I was afraid, very afraid we were going to lose them.”
Now, with the company’s future in Brantford secured, Davis is feeling joy, relief and pride after being part of a successful team.
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“This was a team effort that included city council and city staff,” Davis said. “Everybody played a critical role in helping us to reach a resolution”
Michael Bradley, the city’s commissioner, community development, Geoff Daley of legal services, Ray Petro of real estate services and councilors John Sless, Gino Caputo and Rose Sicoli were part of the city team led by Davis.
“I think the community support was critical for a couple of reasons,” Davis said. “Everyone was moved by the grounds well of support from employees, former employees and the organizations that have benefited from SC Johnson over the years.
“I think it shows there is a deep appreciation, affection for the company and what it stands for as a corporate citizen.”
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Davis said he’s happy for SC Johnson employees who can feel secure in their jobs.
At issue was a plan by Rosart Bucci Group to build a 156-unit residential development at 58 Morrell Street which, at present, is zoned industrial.
The developer sought to have the property rezoned to accommodate the project and applied to the Ontario Land Tribunal for a favorable decision.
SC Johnson, citing potential conflict between its facility and residential development, opposed the rezoning.
Under the deal, announced March 6, SC Johnson will take ownership of 58 Morrell St. from the developer.
Details of the agreement, reached with the help of a provincially-appointed facilitator, are confidential.
Davis said the facilitation team was well-prepared and everyone involved – the city, SC Johnson and the developer – were engaged in the process.
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“I’m feeling relieved and grateful that we have this resolution in place that I think will allow SC Johnson to continue their long and storied history in Brantford,” Davis said.
Davis was asked if anything can be learned from the experience.
“I think the lesson is that you don’t take relationships with people or companies for granted,” Davis said. “We can’t assume that a relationship will continue just because it has been there for 100 years.
“You have to nurture and take care of it. That’s the lesson.”
Brantford-Brant MPP Will Bouma said no one should assume that everyone, including those who run major corporations, are aware of the government decisions that may affect them or their companies.
Governments have to make sure company leaders and executives know what’s happening and how a particular decision may impact them, Bouma said.
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