The Province is supporting a project in Gold River aimed at creating jobs and shoring up the local economy.

The government is contributing $50 thousand towards a project in Gold River, as part of its $180-million BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund.

The cash for Gold River Aquafarms will go toward final stage planning to assess the viability of retrofitting a former pulp and paper mill warehouse for a salmon-processing facility and aquafarm.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) granted an Aquaculture Permit for Gold River Aquafarms back in December. Planning on the project has been underway for years.

The steelhead farm would be the largest land-based facility in Canada when completed, with the potential to expand.

The Manufacturing Jobs Fund supports for-profit organizations to plan and launch shovel-ready, high-value industrial and manufacturing projects.

North Island MLA Michele Babchuk says investments like this one are working towards a more sustainable and diversified economy.