Sapphire Springs Inc. is on track to open the Manitoba facility in 2026 and begin producing 5,000 metric tonnes of Arctic char per year

Manitoba Government Supporting the Development of Canada's Largest Arctic Char Facility

CANADA
Thursday, September 19, 2024, 06:00 (GMT + 9)

Sapphire Springs Inc. Will Create Jobs, Help Grow Manitoba's Economy: Ministers

Photo: Sapphire Springs

The Manitoba government is backing a significant $145-million investment to develop Canada's largest Arctic char aquaculture facility, just north of Winnipeg in the Rural Municipality of Rockwood. The project, led by Sapphire Springs Inc., will generate over 100 full-time jobs and boost the provincial economy, according to Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses and Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn.

“This initiative will not only bring high-quality, sustainable food production to Manitoba, but it will also stimulate economic growth and job creation in the RM of Rockwood,” said Minister Moses. “We are proud to support such an industry-leading project.”

The state-of-the-art Arctic char farming and processing facility will operate at the site of the former Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Rockwood Experimental Fish Hatchery. This strategic location will allow Sapphire Springs to emerge as a key player in sustainable aquaculture and Arctic char production, as noted by Sapphire Springs CEO Ken Blair. He emphasized the company’s commitment to contributing to Canada's seafood industry while bolstering Manitoba’s standing as an innovation hub.

‘With our Rockwood facility, Sapphire Springs aims to become a leader in sustainable aquaculture, contributing to the long-term viability of Canada’s seafood industry and enhancing our province's reputation as a hub for innovation,” said Ken Blair, CEO, Sapphire Springs. “We are grateful for our province’s support and are excited to contribute to the local economy while addressing the growing demand for healthy and sustainable protein.”

The project is anticipated to create 104 direct full-time jobs, with an additional 120 indirect jobs, benefiting the local economy. To help finance the initiative, the Manitoba government has offered a repayable loan of up to $10.75 million to Sapphire Springs.

Minister Kostyshyn added, “This investment in innovative, sustainable projects will not only support Manitoba’s economic development but also position us as a leader in Arctic char production.”

Sapphire Springs is projected to begin operations by 2026, producing 5,000 metric tonnes of Arctic char annually, which would increase global supply by up to 50%.

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