Board opts to re-tender abattoir project

Funding is in place but with bids coming in too high, the board of directors of the Rainy River District Regional Abattoir Inc. has gone back to the drawing board to look for ways to bring construction costs down.
The board also will cast a wider net by including general contractors from outside of Northwestern Ontario when the construction contract is re-tendered.

“The board believes that it should take the extra time to explore cost-saving changes before re-tendering. Keeping the price reasonable is more important than being in a hurry to build,” said the October newsletter to the RRDRAI membership.
Higher construction costs would affect slaughter fees.
The newsletter also noted there’s still a need to finish raising the producers’ share of funding, and that new members are welcome.
Meanwhile, Vince Sheppard said the group, Emo Concerned Citizens, remains opposed to the construction of an abattoir in Emo.
“We have to wait to see what’s happening,” he said. “When construction starts, we will file for an injunction to stop work.
“They have to have 300 metres’ separation. Emo is violating their official plan,” he charged.
“We all want an abattoir in the area,” Sheppard added. “I am all for it and I respect all the work that the abattoir committee has done.
“I just don’t think that in town is the right place. If there is an adverse effect, they will be shut down.”
RRDRAI has been working on getting an abattoir built in Rainy River District for the past three years after several groups and individuals had exhausted efforts to put a project together.
The district has been without an abattoir since 1997 when Stratton Meats closed.
The need for domestic slaughter capacity came clearly into focus in May, 2003 when the U.S. border was closed to Canadian cattle during the BSE crisis.
Since then, the growing enthusiasm for local foods and concerns about food security have increased the awareness of the need.
The recent Rosehart Report on economic growth in Northwestern Ontario recognized the importance of a district abattoir, not so much for its economic developement potential as for community sustainability.