December 16, 2004 Nanaimo, B.C. -- The Honorable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), announced today plans to construct a new $ 5 million central chiller plant and freezer storage building for its Pacific Biological Station (PBS) in Nanaimo. The Station is the principal centre for DFO biological fisheries research on the Pacific Coast. "Investing in our Science facilities and equipment to keep pace with rapidly changing technology and scientific standards is key to ensuring that by 2010, Canada will rank among the top five countries worldwide in scientific research and development," said Minister Regan. PBS research programs require filtered temperature-controlled salt and fresh water for use in experiments with live animals, as well as refrigerated storage for biological samples. Existing freezer storage is provided by more than 100 units that are obsolete, high in maintenance costs and cause concern to research programs due to their unreliability. The new chiller plant and freezer will be more cost-effective, environmentally sound, and energy efficient, and is expected to be up-and-running by spring 2006. Current PBS research includes work on aquaculture, fish health, stock assessment, ocean productivity, and marine environment and habitat. PBS is also host to many co-operative ventures with the private sector, universities and international organizations. The total cost of the new chiller plant and freezer is approximately $5 million, to be spent over a two-year period. This includes costs for decommissioning of the existing system, providing better seismic safety for the site, and replacing old water, sewer and fire lines. The new chiller plant and freezer building will provide the Department with an annual operating and maintenance savings of $62,000 and will be instrumental in delivering future research projects. The project is required to ensure dependable temperature controlled salt and fresh water for biological experiments and upgrade the facility's freezer storage capability. - 30 - For further information: Lara Sloan Communications Officer Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region 604-666-0903
