Moose Jaw mayor pleased with business plans, more national recognition too

Moose Jaw Mayor Fraser Tolmie was more than happy to discuss pork and Hamm on Thursday.

During the Greg Morgan Morning Show, Tolmie confirmed the former XL Beef plant in the city had been purchased by Moose Jaw-based Thunder Creek Pork.

(Discover Moose Jaw/File photo)

“(Thunder Creek’s owners) are doing a feasibility study to reopen the business next year, which could be up to about $20 million worth of investment and 100 new jobs,” Tolmie said. “That’s great news and couldn’t come at a better time for our community.”

The XL Beef plant closed in August of 2010 following the permanent layoff of nearly 200 workers stemming from a shutdown in the spring of the previous year. The plant was closed due to market conditions.

According to Discover Moose Jaw, Thunder Creek Pork will continue to operate on Moose Jaw’s South Hill, but will expand its operation by converting the old beef-packing plant into an abattoir for sows.

Meanwhile, Moose Jaw once again is getting national recognition thanks to actor Jon Hamm.

Last year, Hamm mentioned the city in a Skip the Dishes ad. He has done it again in a spot that recognizes the residents of some Canadian cities — including Moose Jaw — for their support of local restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I really appreciate that Skip the Dishes has recognized the generosity not only of our community but of other communities across the country,” Tolmie said. “It’s great recognition.”

Tolmie said Moose Jaw’s budget is “doing OK” during the pandemic. He noted he was impressed with the way the members of the city’s business community have reacted to continue to provide their services to customers.

“It has been very interesting to see how businesses have adapted and how they’re surviving through this,” Tolmie said.

— With files from Discover Moose Jaw