The Manitoba government is providing a repayable loan of up to $10.75 million to Sapphire Springs Inc., a company that plans to build an Arctic char processing facility north of Winnipeg.
Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses says the char aquaculture and fish processing facility will be Canada’s largest – and positions Manitoba as an industry leader in Arctic char production. The facility will be 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.”
When the plant opens in 2026, it’s expected to create up to 104 new full-time jobs with an additional 120 indirect jobs, and produce 5,000 metric tonnes of Arctic char per year.
