Monday marked a sad day for the community and a major blow to the Newspaper industry, as Metroland Media Group announced it was closing the Guelph Mercury.
The last edition of the daily Newspaper will be published on Jan. 29, bringing to an end a 149-year-old tradition.
Established in 1867, the Mercury is one of the oldest broadsheet Newspapers in Canada.
“This is indeed a sad day,” Mercury publisher Donna Luelo stated in the Jan. 25 announcement on the Newspaper’s website.
“The decision was not made lightly, but the decline of classified and national advertising in recent years has made it impossible for the printed copy of the daily Newspaper to remain profitable.”
Many current and former Mercury employees – in addition to media colleagues and community members – reacted on social media with shock to the News.
The Metroland announcement noted the paper’s circulation has declined to fewer than 9,000 home-delivery subscribers. Closing the paper was “the only viable option” in view of its financial situation and “the rapidly evolving media landscape,” Luelo stated.
All 23 full-time and three part-time employees have received lay-off notices, including eight members of the paper’s editorial department.
“Metroland Media Group will provide severance packages to the affected employees,” the online announcement stated, adding there may be opportunities for staff members at other Metroland-owned businesses in the area.
Metroland will continue to publish the Guelph Tribune and also continue operation of Guelph and District Homes and Guelph Life.
