Arichat Aquaculture Facility

A steelhead fish farm and processing facility will soon be opening in Arichat. Scotia Rainbow has already hired 45 employees and is growing 700,000 fish for export to the United States and Japan.

The new facility will create 75 jobs in total and generate direct and indirect economic benefits for Richmond County. The company is purchasing seed stock from hatcheries throughout the province and promoting Nova Scotia as a place to do aquaculture business.

"We're proud to be one of the county's newest corporate residents," said Scotia Rainbow principal, Serge LaFreniere. "This area's long association with the fishery and the community's commitment to its ongoing development are obvious in our employees. Their knowledge of the industry and their dedication to it will ensure the company's success here."

The $5.3-million project is being helped by a $2-million loan guarantee and an $800,000 loan from Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism for the construction of the facility.

"This project will help to grow Nova Scotia's exports," said Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "The company's management team has tremendous experience selling aquaculture product throughout the world. The company's networks and knowledge of the industry are sure to spell success for the company and the people of Arichat."

Nova Scotia's aquaculture industry is helping to strengthen the fishery and diversify the provincial economy. The fishery is the biggest private-sector employer in the province, and seafood products ranks as Nova Scotia's number one export.

The Scotia Rainbow facility will open in the spring.