Sapphire Springs’ landbased fish farming facility in Rockwood, Manitoba, Canada aims to produce 5,000 metric tonnes per year.
Sapphire Springs, Inc.
The Manitoba government has announced its support for a $145-million development project to build Canada's largest Arctic char facility, just north of Winnipeg, in the Rural Municipality (RM) of Rockwood.
The state-of-the-art facility will occupy a site formerly occupied by the Canadian Government's Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Rockwood Experimental Fish Hatchery, approximately 30 kilometres north of Winnipeg.
Once operational, Sapphire Springs’ aquaculture and fish processing site will make Manitoba a leading producer of Arctic char, with plans to produce 5,000 metric tonnes of Arctic char annually—potentially increasing global supply by up to 50%, according to the company.
"With our Rockwood facility, Sapphire Springs aims to become a leader in sustainable aquaculture, contributing to the long-term viability of Canada’s seafood industry and enhancing our province's reputation as a hub for innovation,” said Sapphire Springs CEO Ken Blair, in a Manitoba government press release. “We are grateful for our province’s support and are excited to contribute to the local economy while addressing the growing demand for healthy and sustainable protein.”
The company says it is on track to open its Manitoba facility in 2026.
The Manitoba government is supporting the Sapphire Springs with a repayable loan of up to $10.75 million, which it says aligns with its broader efforts to invest in sustainable, innovative projects. In addition to the 104 direct full-time jobs, the facility is expected to generate 120 indirect jobs across the province.
Sapphire Springs was founded in 2020, with the company purchasing both its site and genetic stock from a world leading Arctic Char research facility which was previously operated by Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
In 2023, Sapphire Springs also purchased Icy Waters Ltd., described as "the global leader in Arctic Char broodstock", supplying aquaculture facilities worldwide.
The project is expected to directly create over 100 full-time jobs and further stimulate Manitoba’s economy, according to Manitoba government ministers.
“We’re taking action to bring more good jobs to Manitoba and grow our economy,” said Jamie Moses, Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister. “We are proud that this world-leading facility will expand economic opportunities for Manitoba and create new jobs in the RM of Rockwood, all while producing high-quality sustainable food."
“We’re excited to support this project, which will enhance rural economic development and position us as a leader in Arctic char production,” added Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn.