New Plant and Animal Health Centre Confirmed for Abbotsford

The province has confirmed plans for a new plant and animal health centre in Abbotsford, with a proposed location at 34252 King Rd. The $496 million project, announced on October 14, aims to replace the current centre, which has been operating in the city for 25 years and experienced water damage during the 2021 floods. The new facility will provide diagnostic testing services to detect and prevent the spread of plant and animal diseases, such as avian influenza, West Nile virus, and chronic wasting disease.

Key Takeaways:

• The new plant and animal health centre will be built on a 86-acre property at 34252 King Rd, with a total floor area of 177,600 square feet.
• The project has been allocated up to $496 million to purchase the land, build the new facility, and purchase equipment.
• Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with services commencing by 2032.
• The current centre handles over 10,000 case submissions and 100,000 tests annually, with more than 60 scientists working in the facility.
• The new centre will help producers prevent and respond to disease threats, protect the food supply, and safeguard public health.
• The facility will also include a crematorium to dispose of animal carcasses that have undergone diagnostic testing.
• The centre will provide support for farmers to keep their farms healthy, safeguard their livelihoods, and strengthen food security across British Columbia.

Statistics:

• The new plant and animal health centre will have a total floor area of 177,600 square feet (16,500 square meters).
• The project has been allocated up to $496 million.
• The current centre handles over 10,000 case submissions annually.
• The centre conducts over 100,000 tests annually.
• The new centre will have a workforce of over 60 scientists.

Sources:

• Nelson Star, "New $496 million plant and animal health centre confirmed for Abbotsford" (Oct. 14)