The Town of Brooks is nervous about the XL Foods plant shutdown, as it's a major employer for the community.
Brooks Mayor Martin Shields is hopeful that the temporary shutdown is just that...temporary.
A prolonged closure could have substantial economic drawbacks for not only Brooks, but a large portion of southeastern Alberta including Medicine Hat, as the plant employees some 2,200 people.
But Shields says his main concern right now is food safety.
Shields adds there are a lot of rumors flying around about the workforce and what's actually happening at the plant, so it's important to get the facts first before jumping to any conclusions.