The Mayor Williams Lake says he apologizes for comments he made earlier today regarding Findlay Meats in 100 Mile House.
Walt Cobb says he did not have all of the information when he made the statement the business was closing its doors.
“I made a statement regarding the Findlay Meats in 100 Mile that they would be closing and in fact, I did not have all of the information and I apologize. I hope it has not caused any concern with their business.”
In a statement, Findlay Meats says they will cease only the slaughtering portion of their business in January 2018 and will continue to operate as a cut and wrap facility of domestic animals and game, offering sausage making, curing, and retail sales.
“After 26 years, it is time for us to scale things back, the 14-16 hour days are getting to be too much. We are there many hours before and after our posted business hours. When we took on this project, (mobile unit), we said we would do it for 5 years, and the end of this year will complete that term. Also, when you look around us and see things starting to build up, in the long term this is not going to be the place for a slaughterhouse to be sitting.”
“The government is critically aware of the need for slaughter services in the area, and over the next year will be working closely with stakeholders,” the customer letter further states.
According to Cobb, preliminary discussion on bringing a slaughterhouse to Williams Lake has occurred when he brought the subject forth to the BC Cattlemen’s Association.
“I was just at the annual general meeting and it was part of my welcome to Williams Lake and told them some of the things we were doing through economic development. I just mentioned that it was an inquiry regarding a possible slaughterhouse/meat packing plant in Williams Lake.”
Cobb says he will be further exploring the topic with the Ministry of Agriculture at the end of the week.
The BC Cattlemen’s Association was unavailable for comment.