Construction on Victoria's new aquaculture plant to start in spring after town gives green light
Amar Seafood to produce wolffish and halibut, and visitors can learn about aquaculture
A seafood company based in Norway has been given approval to build a new land-based aquaculture facility in the Rural Municipality of Victoria.
The building will be located on the Causeway Road, across from the company's current operations. Construction is set to begin in the spring, with full operations scheduled to start in early 2026.
It will be a scaled-back version of what the company had originally planned, after some people in the community expressed concerns that a large plant would clash with its picturesque surroundings.
Victoria Mayor Martin Ruben said the new plans take those concerns into consideration.
"It has a fairly large footprint," he said Monday. "However, to mitigate that footprint and the look of a light industrial building, the council has required the company to use some architectural features to provide a building that fits in more to our community."
Ruben said the project will be subject to an environmental impact assessment.
The new facility will rear wolffish and halibut. It will also include an interpretation centre for visitors to experience and learn about sustainable aquaculture practices.
With files from Jackie Sharkey