Local Fruit and Seafood Producers will Benefit from Expanded Cold Storage Capacity
News Release
Funding helps Souris Harbour Authority use existing space in the community to support increased demand
September 22, 2017 – Souris, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Souris Harbour Authority Inc. heard from fruit and seafood processors that increased affordable cold storage space was in demand in the community. The organization, with support from the Government of Canada and its own investments, will soon create the necessary infrastructure to meet this increased demand.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced federal support for the Souris Harbour Authority Inc. The organization is receiving a repayable contribution of $500,000 from ACOA’s Business Development Program to purchase equipment and expand its current cold storage facilities by four million pounds.
The Souris Harbour Authority Inc. was established just over a decade ago to own, operate and promote the development of the Port of Souris. Since its inception, the organization has made strategic investments to support local industry. With support from the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, this increase in infrastructure will benefit both the Harbour Authority and local processors. This investment also supports PEI’s growing food industry as producers explore export markets for their world-class food products.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada understands that while innovation differs slightly from industry to industry, one thing remains constant - it is a key driver to strengthening our economy. We continue to support businesses that are constantly seeking ways to improve productivity, create jobs, adopt new technologies, and expand export opportunities.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Souris Harbour Authority has over a decade of experience supporting local businesses that contribute to the long-term viability of this community. Any time a business is in a position to expand, it means there is an increased demand for a product or service. I am pleased to announce this contribution that will provide a valuable service to seafood, and fruit and vegetable processors, especially as we aim to export $75 billion of agri-food products by 2025.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan
“Souris Harbour Authority Inc / Eastern Cold Storage recognized the need to accommodate its present and future customer’s growth requirements with this new cold storage expansion, and we’re pleased to receive this support from ACOA that helped us realize this expansion in a timely fashion.”
Denis Thibodeau, President and CEO, Souris Harbour Authority Inc.
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Denis Thibodeau
President and CEO
Souris Harbour Authority Inc.
902-940-5154