Post by Nittro on Feb 8, 2012 13:30:56 GMT -5
$17M fish hatchery rebuild on target for fall completion
By MONTE SONNENBERG, TIMES-REFORMER
February 6, 2012
NORMANDALE -- The Ministry of Natural Resources expects to cut the ribbon on its new and improved fish hatchery in Normandale later this year.
The MNR completed $5 million in upgrades to its hatchery substation on Front Road north of Turkey Point late last summer.
The attention now is on construction of a new hatchery building at the main complex east of Turkey Point Road. The value of this phase of the project is nearly $12 million.
MNR launched the projects last summer with little fanfare. John Sager, manager of the Normandale Fish Culture Station, said the local facilities were due for a facelift.
"That's pretty much it," he said. "It's the oldest facility of its kind in the province. It's been there since 1924. It's aged to the point where upgrades are required. There will be new technology going in."
The Normandale facility primarily serves the MNR's salmon restocking program in Lake Ontario.
In a typical year, the Normandale hatchery will produce 400,000 Atlantic salmon fry (two grams), 150,000 fall fingerlings (10 grams), and 75,000 yearlings (20 grams).
The substation will contribute another 540,000 Chinook salmon fry while housing the facility's Atlantic salmon brood stock. Add in 125,000 Ganaraska rainbow trout yearlings and the station's combined annual output is well in excess of one million fish.
The main station was last rebuilt in 1965. The substation, which used to feature a network of outdoor ponds, was last rebuilt in 1960.
"We're definitely modernizing, and we're increasing our capacity as well," said Paul Malcomson, operations co-ordinator at the Normandale hatchery.
Interest in the rebuild in the local conservation community is immense. The Norfolk Field Naturalists recently organized a tour of the substation on Front Road. To everyone's surprise, 60 people turned out.
"I'm amazed," said organizer Shirley Rothery. "I had come here with the (Norfolk) Woodlot Owners and so I thought 'This is interesting. I bet the field naturalists would find it interesting too.' So I suggested it and they went for it."
The old main station will be demolished once the new station is operational. The new station will feature a viewing area where visitors can have an up-close look at the fish hatching and rearing process.
The new facility will make more efficient use of ground water and the water it draws from Normandale Creek. Waste water will be cleaned and filtered before it is returned to the waterway. MNR expects to cut the ribbon on the new main building this November.
By MONTE SONNENBERG, TIMES-REFORMER
February 6, 2012
NORMANDALE -- The Ministry of Natural Resources expects to cut the ribbon on its new and improved fish hatchery in Normandale later this year.
The MNR completed $5 million in upgrades to its hatchery substation on Front Road north of Turkey Point late last summer.
The attention now is on construction of a new hatchery building at the main complex east of Turkey Point Road. The value of this phase of the project is nearly $12 million.
MNR launched the projects last summer with little fanfare. John Sager, manager of the Normandale Fish Culture Station, said the local facilities were due for a facelift.
"That's pretty much it," he said. "It's the oldest facility of its kind in the province. It's been there since 1924. It's aged to the point where upgrades are required. There will be new technology going in."
The Normandale facility primarily serves the MNR's salmon restocking program in Lake Ontario.
In a typical year, the Normandale hatchery will produce 400,000 Atlantic salmon fry (two grams), 150,000 fall fingerlings (10 grams), and 75,000 yearlings (20 grams).
The substation will contribute another 540,000 Chinook salmon fry while housing the facility's Atlantic salmon brood stock. Add in 125,000 Ganaraska rainbow trout yearlings and the station's combined annual output is well in excess of one million fish.
The main station was last rebuilt in 1965. The substation, which used to feature a network of outdoor ponds, was last rebuilt in 1960.
"We're definitely modernizing, and we're increasing our capacity as well," said Paul Malcomson, operations co-ordinator at the Normandale hatchery.
Interest in the rebuild in the local conservation community is immense. The Norfolk Field Naturalists recently organized a tour of the substation on Front Road. To everyone's surprise, 60 people turned out.
"I'm amazed," said organizer Shirley Rothery. "I had come here with the (Norfolk) Woodlot Owners and so I thought 'This is interesting. I bet the field naturalists would find it interesting too.' So I suggested it and they went for it."
The old main station will be demolished once the new station is operational. The new station will feature a viewing area where visitors can have an up-close look at the fish hatching and rearing process.
The new facility will make more efficient use of ground water and the water it draws from Normandale Creek. Waste water will be cleaned and filtered before it is returned to the waterway. MNR expects to cut the ribbon on the new main building this November.
