Joe Preston, MP -- Elgin - Middlesex - London - Local Tropical fish hatchery celebrates grand opening

Local Tropical fish hatchery celebrates grand opening

May 24, 2012

As a result of the Government of Canada’s Sand Plains Community Development Fund, Catfish Creek Tropical Fish Hatchery welcomed visitors to the Grand Opening of their new facility in St. Thomas. The $250,000 investment was announced in February, 2011 and allowed the hatchery to build a new energy-efficient facility and produce more varieties of tropical fish for pet stores.

“Sand Plains has brought growth and prosperity to our region that will last for generations to come”, stated MP Joe Preston. “Catfish Creek Tropical Fish Hatchery is a great example of how create new jobs and opportunities in rural Ontario.”

“It is a great to be able to build and expand in St. Thomas, and to the diversity of businesses in the area”, said Karen Ashford.

Catfish Creek Tropical Fish Hatchery was established in 1997, breeding and raising tropical fish for wholesale pet stores and wholesalers in the Greater Toronto Area. The company used the funding to build a 4500 square foot facility in St. Thomas to expand production by 230%. The new building has increased insulation, sub-floor heating and was designed and built using local companies in Elgin County.

This capital loan through the Sand Plains Community Development Fund administered by the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations. The fund targets community-based initiatives that support regional development, attract and retain people and investment, and stimulate business development and job creation.

For more information on the Sand Plains Community Development Fund, please visit www.ontcfdc.com or www.sandplains.ca.