Stott said the first work they have to complete is to remove the crop, build access roads, build up the pads for the barns and start on the lagoon. There is plenty to do before everything is completed. There will be concrete foundations, installation of utilities, the building of wood frames, installation of insulation, metal cladding of structures, painting and fitting out equipment.

“Our goal is to complete the foundations before it freezes too hard,” Stott stated. “Framing and interior work continues through the winter months.”

Stott said HyLife is looking at phased completion. The first barn is expected to be finished in January, with additional barns following each month after. At the peak of construction, there will likely be between 20-40 tradespeople doing the various jobs. When the barns are operational, there will be four full-time employees.

The Conditional Use Permit for the Merlot nursery was passed by the Boissevain-Morton council in July with conditions that included helping maintain roads, putting a cover on manure storage and meeting with council annually. They also have to put up a shelterbelt to help with odours and do soil testing prior to manure spreading. The cost of building the facility was estimated at $7 million and the hogs would consume about 6,000 tonnes of feed annually. It would also generate around $11,000 a year for the municipality in tax revenue.

A lot of work goes into planning a project of this magnitude, and a lot of licenses have to be gained. Stott said everyone at the company is happy to get going on the practical work.

“We’re excited to bring this site to fruition. These processes take a considerable amount of time, but it is always exciting when you see equipment moving and work happening on the ground.”

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff