Sapphire Springs Inc. Will Create Jobs, Help Grow Manitoba's Economy
Media Release - September 17th, 2024
The Manitoba government is supporting the $145-million development of a new Arctic char facility a short drive north of Winnipeg in Rural Municipality (RM) of Rockwood, providing more than 100 full-time jobs for Manitobans and growing the provincial economy, Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses and Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
“We’re taking action to bring more good jobs to Manitoba and grow our economy,” said Moses. “We are proud that this world leading facility will expand economic opportunities for Manitoba and create new jobs in the RM of Rockwood, all while producing high-quality sustainable food.”
The Sapphire Springs Inc. char aquaculture and fish processing facility will be Canada’s largest Arctic char facility and positions Manitoba as an industry leader in Arctic char production, noted Moses. The facility is located at the former site of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Rockwood Experimental Fish Hatchery in the RM of Rockwood, approximately 30 kilometres north of Winnipeg.
‘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.”
This is an extremely valuable project for the province, the ministers noted, as it is anticipated to create up to 104 new full-time jobs with an additional 120 indirect jobs in Manitoba. To support job creation and this project, the province is providing a repayable loan of up to $10.75 million to Sapphire Springs Inc.
“Our government is investing in innovative, sustainable projects that grow our economy and create more good jobs for people across Manitoba,” said Kostyshyn. “We’re excited to support this project, which will enhance rural economic development and position us as a leader in Arctic char production.”
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, which would increase the current global supply by up to 50 per cent, noted the ministers.