The provincial government is investing in an Oxdrift abattoir to meet increasing demand for locally produced food.
The Cloverbelt Country Meats Cooperative has received more than $826,000 to modernize the abattoir.
The money will be used to conduct renovations and purchase new, specialized animal processing equipment.
The goal is to boost production and increase capacity and expand its business into large commercial markets like restaurants, tourist camps and hospitals.
One full-time job will be created and three full-time jobs will be retained.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford made the announcement Tuesday morning.
Rickford says the facility was in desperate need of repair and the renovations will create an abattoir like no other.
He notes Cloverbelt has a business plan that will see food distribution extend to Sioux Lookout and into isolated communities.
Rickford says Indigenous communities will be able to use the abattoir to harvest and process wild game.
President of Cloverbelt Country Meats Roger Griffiths says one plan is to install computerized smokers for a more consistent product.
Griffiths adds they are looking at more modern equipment for a more humane slaughter.
He stresses it’s critical for our area to have a full functioning abattoir.
