HARPER GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN AQUACULTURE IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO

October 15th, 2012 London, Ontario.

The Government of Canada is providing $1.4 million in repayable and non-repayable government funding through the Sand Plains Community Development Fund. Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access program of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada department

With this investment, Sand Plains Aquaculture will produce Canadian farmed Tilapia for consumption in the Toronto market. The project will enable the company to raise over half a million pounds of Tilapia annually and will create a minimum of 10 full-time jobs. Another 20 will be created when the company is in a full operation.

“Sand Plains Aquaculture is excited to be the first land-based recirculating Tilapia farm in Ontario,” says co-owner Ewart Mclaughlin. “We are very please with the contributions from all of our partners. We have a great team that has worked hard to bring this project to fruition.”

Sand Plains Community Development Fund is a program created to assist rural communities in the Sand Plains region, near London, Ontario to build a stronger, more diversified economy. Sand Plains CDF targets community-based initiatives that support regional development, attract and retain people and investment, and stimulate business development and job creation.

By investing in projects like this, the Government is helping build a brighter future for rural communities in southern Ontario. This project will boost the economy by creating local jobs and enhancing the domestic fish farming industry.

TAGS: GOVERNMENT GRANTS, GOVERNMENT LOANS, GOVERNMENT FUNDING, BUSINESS NEWS