Creating jobs at the Cold Lake Fish Hatchery
2020-08-06
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A total of $10.3 million will be invested in a refurbishment that features construction of a new recirculating aquaculture system and upgrades to key operating and mechanical systems. This refurbishment will allow for the reuse of water during operations, which will significantly reduce utility costs and water use.

“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. Stocked fisheries generate more than $166 million in economic activity each year in our province. Investments in provincial fish hatcheries support the significant economic role fishing has in the province – and will get Albertans back to work.”

Jason Kenney, Premier

“Fishing is an important part of Alberta’s cultural fabric and supports countless jobs across the province. 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.”

Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks

“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

“The Alberta Fish and Game Association (AFGA) is appreciative of the capital investment and refurbishment plans of the Cold Lake Fish Hatchery by the Government of Alberta, and we look forward to increased angling opportunities and improved fisheries for Alberta’s angling community.”

Brian Dingreville, president, Alberta Fish and Game Association

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.

Funding for this 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.

Including work already underway or completed earlier this year, investments totalling more than $50 million in Alberta’s four provincial fish hatcheries will expand and modernize operations to support a larger, more efficient and more disease-free fish stocking program.

Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure we are benefiting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth. Alberta came together to save lives by flattening the curve and now we must do the same to save livelihoods, grow and thrive.

Quick facts

  • The Cold Lake Fish Hatchery produces about 840,000 trout per year, including rainbow, brown, tiger and brook trout, with a total fish weight of about 65,000 kilograms. It is also the province’s only walleye aquaculture facility.
  • The Alberta government owns and operates four fish culture facilities: Cold Lake Fish Hatchery, Raven Creek Brood Trout Station, Allison Creek Brood Trout Station and Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery.
  • The provincial fish stocking program stocks about 2.1 million trout per year into about 240 water bodies throughout Alberta.
  • This project is part of the more than $10 billion infrastructure spending announced as part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan.
  • This spending includes:
    • $6.9 billion Budget 2020 capital spending
    • $980 million accelerated for Capital Maintenance and Renewal
    • $200 million for Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program and water infrastructure projects
    • $600 million in strategic infrastructure projects
    • $500 million in municipal infrastructure
    • $1.5 billion for Keystone XL

Alberta's Recovery Plan


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