Construction is set to begin at the proposed fish processing plant in Ile a la Crosse on Thursday afternoon.
Local leaders and stakeholders are scheduled for a sod turning event at the site of the new facility.
The Ile a la Crosse Fish Company has been planning this plant for the past few years, and according to the community’s mayor, all of the funding is in place for construction to begin.
Mayor Duane Favel says with construction work underway they are optimistic the plant will be fully operational by winter.
“We are a little bit hopeful that we can get in there this fishing season, however, if we don’t it will be in full operation by the following year,” said Favel.
The plant is mostly funded by Western Diversification and the Sakitawak Development Corporation, both of whom are expected to have representatives at Thursday’s sod turning.
Favel says once the plant is done, it will have several benefits for the local community.
“Fishing has always been a part of northern communities and Ile a la Crosse. We hope to grow that industry once again.”
The Northern mayor says the plant should create an economic benefit for local fishers, as well as a renewed buzz around the industry.
Several fish processing plants are in varying stages of development around the province. Plants are expected to pop up in Prince Albert and Regina, while the Wollaston Lake plant has been operational for nearly a year.
Mayor Favel says he expects these other plants to create competition, but he is confident regional fishers will help make their plant lucrative.
“If everybody is committed in Ile a la Crosse and within the region to this particular fish processing plant that we are building, then I can’t see us hurting, however we may have an impact on how the other processing plants do in Prince Albert and Regina.”
The sod turning is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Thursday. Mayor Favel says everyone in the community and surrounding area is invited to the event.