Abattoir projects said to be close to reality

By Ken Johnston
Editor

The Abattoir Steering Committee of the Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association (RRCA) told the members that they are very close to announcing an abattoir for the Rainy River District.
Committee member Steve Lowshaw said that while they have not has as many members join the abattoir project as investors, with 87 signed up to contribute at least $2,000, they are confident that they are getting close to reality. “We had hoped to raise $600,000.” However, they have raised about 1/3 of that at this time but feel they will be able to take out a mortgage on the balance, also accessing government grants to pay the other 2/3 of the projected cost of $1.8 million. That would build them a 6,000 sq. ft. facility.
They have also selected an operational lessee to run the facility. North End Farms of Rainy River will run it. “We are currently in the business planning stages,” said Lowshaw. “We will then apply for government grants and step up our membership drive. We hope to make an announcement in the next few weeks.”
Lowshaw said they are currently securing property and hope to be up and running June of 2008.
Two abattoirs?
After the meeting Stratton Sales Barn Manager Russell Richards told the Record that he and another investor are close to opening an animal kill plant of their own; separate from the RRCA initiative. “We should have some really good news in a couple of weeks.”