By Adam Ophus

economic development

County not looking to develop slaughterhouse, will focus on all agriculture groups

Apr 15, 2021 | 7:24 PM

On April 13, Clearwater County Council discussed a study done by CG Strategies of the feasibility of creating its own slaughterhouse in the County in response to slow livestock processing due to COVID-19.

Clearwater County had one at one point, over five years ago that was lost to a fire and not rebuilt.

The report suggested the county would be best served with 1-3 small secondary processing facilities or a mobile butcher service.

Councillor Jim Duncan stated that what he’d heard from out in the public, is that people want to be able to get their own meat cut and wrapped.

“That is missing in the community, but it’s a tough business,” he said referencing the stiff competition it would have with larger facilities.

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It was quickly brought up throughout out council that although it would be nice to help that particular agriculture group, but, what about the others.

“Everyone is affected right now with the economic downturn,” Councillor Theresa Laing commented.

Councillor John Vandermeer referenced his own personal dealings with family members working in the business and believes the real difficulty would be trying to find the people to do it.

“I don’t believe this is something the County can get involved in, because there are too many types of agriculture going on. In my situation I’m a hay farmer, I’d like the County to set up a hay plant for processing,” Vandermeer noted as just one example of another group that could use the assistance.

CAO Rick Emmons piped in with his own curiosities referencing the current lack of any facilities for farmers of late.

“Rocky Mountain House has nothing that supports farmers and agriculture. But they did. We have nothing today. Which bodes my question, why?”

The county eventually turned away from the original motion of exploring a abattoir and focus on more agriculture groups in the community.

Council requested that the Agriculture Services Board provide recommendations to council on economic development growth of and for reduction of barriers to agriculture production within Clearwater County.