May 26, 2006

Canadian pork consortium wins incentive to build US$180 million plant

The city council of Winnipeg, a city in western Canada, have upheld a C$3.4 million (US$3 million) incentive package for a proposed C$200 million (US$180 million) pork processing plant, despite opposition from residents.

The plant, a joint investment between Canadian companies Hytek Ltd, Big Sky Farms Inc and Olymel LP would be located in the city's industrial park and is expected to provide 1,100 jobs.

City officials approved the incentive package last year but have been urged to rescind it by residents concerned about the air and water quality.

A statement from the mayor's office said it is the city government's job to attract growth, jobs and development.

The economic incentives package is conditional on the approval of the plant by an independent provincial commission, a spokesman from the office said.