Adhering to seafood processing regulations is not always easy, but it is a top priority. Thanks in part to government support, the Municipality of Lot 11 and Area will be able to extend ‘three-phase power’ to five seafood processors in the areas of Conway, Milligan’s Wharf and East Bideford.
Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Honourable Heath MacDonald, PEI Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, and representatives from the Municipality of Lot 11 and Area today announced funding that would allow this project to move forward.
Processors have indicated that stringent regulations are in place to maintain the highest standards of processed seafood products and that this power upgrade will play a key role in food safety practices. The upgrade from single-phase to three-phase power will allow the operation of multiple pieces of equipment simultaneously without interruption or possible loss of product and creates potential for future business growth.
Quick Facts
· The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, is providing a non-repayable contribution of $426,109 to this project.
· The Government of Prince Edward Island is providing $152,182 towards this project.
· The five seafood processors will provide a collective total of $30,436 towards the project.
Quotes
“Our Government has committed to supporting Canadian businesses and sectors to innovate, become more competitive, and export. This investment will help improve the municipal infrastructure in this rural area of Prince County where core services like three-phase power are vital to economic growth.”
- Bobby Morrissey Member of Parliament, (Egmont) on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
“The province is pleased to invest in a project that will enhance our seafood processors’ ability to produce and innovate. This government will continue to partner with our local companies and explore business development opportunities so we can further build on our reputation as Canada’s Food Island.”
- The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism
“We are pleased to receive federal and provincial support for this project. This upgrade to three-phase power will be a contributing factor to the growth and prosperity of these seafood processors and in-turn, a boost to our local economy.”
- Ms. Susan Milligan., Chair, Municipality of Lot 11 and Area
Background
The Municipality of Lot 11 and Area includes the communities of Black Banks, Conway, East Bideford, Foxley River, Freeland, Murray Road and Poplar Grove, in Prince County. Incorporated in 1982, the Municipality is managed by an eight member council and a town administrator. The council oversees a number of community initiatives including: public works, parks and recreation, and emergency measures.
The five seafood processors to soon upgrade to three-phase power are: Annand Clams Inc., Five Star Shellfish, Hardy’s Channel Fish Cooperative Ltd., Leslie Hardy and Sons, and Burleigh Brothers Ltd. Three of the businesses upgrading to three-phase power will connect to the power line on Route 2, and two of the businesses will connect via the East Bideford Road (Route 163). The first company to install the power line will be Annand Clams Inc., the others will follow before the project completion timeline of September 2016.