Prince Rupert Salmonid Enhancement Society to benefit from donation by Pacific NorthWest LNG

Funding for the Oldfield Creek Fish
Hatchery will see a number of projects
can a cash infusion thanks to a donation
from Pacific NorthWest LNG

The work at the Oldfield Creek Fish Hatchery will benefit from some much needed cash, as Pacific NorthWest LNG makes a significant donation to the Prince Rupert Salmonid Enhancement Society.

As part of an announcement from Wednesday that announced the 75,000 dollars in funding for the group, Tessa Gill Vice-President of External Affairs for the the Canadian operations of the global LNG corporation made note of the work that the local society does in the community when it comes to education and stock replenishment on the North Coast.

 “Pacific NorthWest LNG appreciates the historic, economic and cultural importance of salmon for all those who reside in northwest British Columbia,” .. “The vital work in sustainability and education conducted by the Prince Rupert Salmonid Enhancement Society represents a significant community benefit, something that we are proud to support.”

The Salmonid enhancement society already has plans in mind for the additional funding, dedicating some of the money towards an operations vehicle for the facility on Wantage Road.

Mike McDowall from the Society also noted that the Oldfield Creek hatchery can use the funds to further some of their ongoing plans for the popular location.

"This contribution will help Oldfield Creek Hatchery of the future with funding for engineering plans for a major rebuild of our outside rearing area. Our efforts to raise salmon over the winter are hampered continually as our rearing area is exposed to below-zero temperatures, is open to predators, and has equipment is well over 30 years old."

The Hatchery and Society, which is staffed by volunteers, raise over 660,000 eggs from a number of species of fish, the Wantage Road location has become a frequent stop for local students and visitors to the community, eager to learn more about the cycle of life for fish and the work of the local organization.

They raise funds through the year in the community for the range of programs that they host at the site and previously renovated their information displays to expand the education program. Earlier this month volunteers helped out to raise a new bridge as part of the improved trail system at the site.

More background on their work was included as part of the funding announcement from Wednesday.

The Oldfield Creek Hatchery is currently putting the finishing touches on their annual Smolt Fest celebrations, set for May 27th from 1 to 9 PM, this years event will mark the ninth year that the festival has taken place.

More information on that event and the work of the Hatchery can be found on their Facebook page here.

For notes related to the Pacific NorthWest LNG project see our archive page here.

For more Community Events observations see our archive page here.