Port aux Basques fish plant. – © File photo
By Ryan King
Community News Reporter
PORT AUX BASQUES – The Town’s efforts to sell the former T.J. Hardy Fish Plant located on the harbour front has fallen through.
“The property has been largely vacant since it was acquired by the Town in 2009. Since that time, the Town has incurred annual expenses with respect to maintenance, utilities and mechanical upkeep to maintain its integrity as an economic opportunity for development. The Town council made a decision early in 2021 that the property would be advertised to determine if a company would be interested in purchasing and developing the property,” explained Town Manger Leon MacIsaac.
A Request For Proposals (RFPs) was issued to determine interest in the sale of the property on May 31, 2021, and closed on June 23, 2021. The town received interest from several companies in the region, and received two submissions prior to the closing date.
“A committee of Council reviewed the submitted RFPs and selected the submission which provided the greatest economic benefit to the region. Codroy Seafoods Inc. were selected as the preferred submission for acceptance. The recommendation was presented to Council with a motion to approve the submission. Sale of public assets typically require approval from the Minister’s office depending on the type and value of the asset. The Town applied for and received ministerial approval to proceed with the sale of the property,” explained MacIsaac.
Due to the current economic climate, the sale ground to a halt.
“The Town and Codroy Seafoods Inc. have had a number of discussions regarding the terms of the agreement for completion of the sale. Given the current economic climate, both parties have agreed that it would not be financially feasible, at the present time, for either party to proceed with the sale of the property. Until such time that it is mutually agreed to proceed with the sale and acquisition, all terms will remain in effect,” stated MacIsaac.
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