Allison Creek Brood Trout Station. (Supplied by CNP Live)

By David Opinko

Crowsnest Pass fish hatchery getting $4-million for renovations

Jan 28, 2020 | 5:00 AM

COLEMAN, AB – Millions of dollars will flow from the Government of Alberta’s pocketbooks into a fish hatchery near the B.C.-Alberta border.

The Allison Creek Brood Trout Station was built back in the 1980s and the facility’s water treatment and filtration systems are at the end of their service life.

“Fishing is an important part of Alberta’s cultural fabric and supports countless jobs across the province,” says Environment and Parks Minister Jason Nixon. “Replacing and upgrading fish hatcheries enables us to increase our stocking programs while ensuring these facilities operate more efficiently and are better protected against disease.”

“The result will be a fishery that is strong, healthy, vibrant and sustainable for generations to come,” adds Nixon.

The province says an estimated 300,000 anglers fish Alberta’s lakes and rivers every year, and for every dollar invested into fisheries, $20 is generated for the economy.

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“The investment announced today is great news for Alberta’s anglers, as it provides the basis for increased recreational fishing activities across the province and lays the groundwork for a wide range of fisheries enhancement possibilities in the future,” says Alberta Conservation Association President and CEO Todd Zimmerling.

Renovations at Allison Creek Brood Trout Station are already underway and are set to be completed this summer.

The government has also announced funding for renovations to Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery in Calgary and Raven Creek Brood Trout Station near Caroline.

“Fish production at all three facilities will be optimized through modernized operating systems, improved water quality and stronger biosecurity, and energy and water consumption will be reduced,” reads a media release from the Government of Alberta.

Alberta’s fisheries stock an average of 2.1-million trout per year into almost 240 bodies of water.