Deal in works for Ocean Choice plant

There is a deal in the works for new tenants in the Ocean Choice seafood processing plant in Souris.

P.E.I. Innovation Minister Allen Roach and Ocean Choice officials say nothing has been concluded yet, and there is still no settlement on themillions-of-dollars worth of lawsuits between the province and the Newfoundland-based seafood processing company.

The Ocean Choice plant, which once employed 300 people, has sat vacant for more than three years. Roach said the province is working with a number of partners, including the Souris Port Authority, on a deal with new tenants.

About three weeks ago the provincial cabinet, which holds a loan on the property, approved the transfer of the land and buildings over to the Souris Port Authority, though it is not clear if thetransfer has taken place. Blaine Sullivan of Ocean Choice said they are negotiating with possible tenants and getting close to a deal.

Roach is hoping for anannouncement in a matter of weeks on the future of the Ocean Choice plant.

The plant was shut down when the government rejected a call from Ocean Choice for financial help. The province is now trying to recover about $10 million that it says Ocean Choice owes taxpayers. Ocean Choice has countersued for $19 million.