Major investment announced for Cold Lake Fish Hatchery – The Cold Lake Sun

Provincial, local, and regional dignitaries were on hand at the Cold Lake Fish Hatchery last week, where Premiere Jason Kenney announced a $10.3 million injection to the facility as part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan.

The investment will mean a refurbishment that features construction of a new recirculating aquaculture system, as well as upgrades to key operating and mechanical systems.  This will allow for the reuse of water during operations, which will significantly reduce utility costs and water use.

Funding for the project includes $7 million from Environment and Parks for construction of the new recirculating aquaculture system and associated infrastructure and $3.3 million from Alberta Infrastructure for installation of a new oxygen generator and replacement of the hatchery’s water head box, metal roof and motor control systems.

“These upgrades will improve the facility’s cost efficiency, as well as help it meet the highest bio-security standards – all while supporting Alberta’s economic recovery,” Kenney explained.

He added the project will create roughly 40 jobs in engineering, project management, and construction.

Built in 1986, the Cold Lake Fish Hatchery uses a “flow through” method, where water is taken from Cold Lake, heated and treated, used during fish hatchery operations and then returned to Cold Lake. A recirculating aquaculture system will generate a positive return on investment through significantly reduced utility costs. Modernizing existing operating and mechanical systems will also help improve cost efficiency.

“Alberta’s government is taking action now to get folks back to work while ensuring our province can continue to grow in the years to come,” Kenney stated.  “It’s also good news for jobs and growth.  Stocked fisheries generate more than $166 million each year in economic activity – much of it in smaller communities around the province. Investments in provincial fish hatcheries support the significant economic role fishing has in the province – and will get Albertans back to work.”

Kenney continued, “Alberta’s reputation as a world class destination for anglers and outdoorsmen translates to hotel rooms booked, restaurants filled, guides hired, and equipment purchased.  It also is a draw for Albertans looking for a holiday close to home.”

He said the plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now – by diversifying the province’s economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth.

With the oil and gas industry’s problems and now COVID-19, he called 2020 so far “A super tough year for the province.”   Pointing out the devastation that would be caused by a long-term shutdown, Kenney noted the key to getting out of the downturn is to be equally focused on saving lives, as well as livelihoods.

“In the short term, we are investing in projects to get Albertans back to work, building infrastructure that will support our economy and prosperity long into the future,” Kenney said.

The hatchery here is the only one in the province that stocks walleye, and produces about 840,000 trout per year, including rainbow, brown, tiger and brook trout, with a total fish weight of about 65,000 kilograms.

The provincial fish stocking program stocks about 2.1 million trout per year into about 240 water bodies throughout Alberta.

“That’s a better outcome for the environment, because it allows native species to recover in areas where populations have been depleted… It’s also good news for jobs and growth,” Kenney said.

“Fishing is an important part of Alberta’s cultural fabric and supports countless jobs across the province,” Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks, added, noting the important role Cold Lake’s hatchery plays in the province’s overall fish stocking program.

“This past winter, Environment and Parks hosted open house events across the province to speak to Albertans directly about fisheries management.  During these engagements, we heard support for an expanded fish stocking program that includes species diversification, and the resumption of walleye stocking,” he said.

“Investments in Alberta’s fish hatchery facilities will better support sustainable recreational fishing opportunities, the province’s conservation goals, and a healthy aquatic ecosystem and our economy.”

“Fishing opportunities are abundant on our beautiful area lakes and I’m proud of this investment that will help stimulate our local economy by attracting anglers from near and far, particularly as we recover from the pandemic,” David Hanson, MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul, commented.

Including work already underway or completed earlier this year, investments total more than $50 million in Alberta’s four provincial fish hatcheries – the others being Raven Creek Brood Trout Station at Caroline, Allison Creek Brood Trout Station at Coleman, and the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery outside Calgary – will expand and modernize operations to support a larger, more efficient and more disease-free fish stocking program.