Lethbridge County Council will consider a $6 million borrowing bylaw to help with the expansion of the McCain Foods plant east of Coaldale, April 25, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge County to consider $6 million to help with McCain Foods expansion

Apr 25, 2023 | 9:48 AM

LETHBRIDGE COUNTY, AB – Council members in Lethbridge County are set to vote on a proposed multi-million dollar borrowing bylaw.

At the April 20, 2023, meeting of Lethbridge County Council, first reading of the bylaw was passed. If the bylaw receives full approval, it would see $6 million borrowed to help pay for a new water pipeline between the Town of Coaldale and the McCain Foods potato processing facility east of the community.

It would cover a portion of the $18 million cost of installing an 18,300 metre water pipeline as McCain undergoes a significant expansion.

In March 2023, the company announced a $600 million expansion that would add two new production lines, be fully powered by renewable energy, and increase its local workforce from 225 to an estimated 485 employees.

Lethbridge County Reeve Tory Campbell said the expansion at McCain will have a major economic impact on the region.

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“This is the largest investment in [McCain Foods’] 65-year history, doubling the workforce by creating an estimated 260 jobs. It will see exponentially more potatoes purchased from local producers to export finished products across the globe,” said Campbell.

“Council is committed to fostering an environment wherein businesses can thrive,” added Campbell. “Continued economic growth benefits the County and the entire region.”

If the borrowing bylaw were to be approved, the County said in a news release that it would be repaid in semi-annual or annual instalments over a period of no more than 25 years.

Council will apply for grant funding to offset as much of the project costs as possible.

The second and third readings of the bylaw are expected to be held at the June 1, 2023, council meeting.

READ MORE: McCain Foods plans to double its workforce in southern Alberta with $600 million expansion