A new plant and animal health centre has been confirmed for Abbotsford, with the province providing up to $496 million to buy the land, build the new facility and purchase equipment.

Construction is expected to begin in 2027 with services by 2032.

The announcement was made Tuesday (Oct. 14) at WestGen Genetics Centre, near the location of the current centre at 1767 Angus Campbell Rd.

Provincial Agriculture Minister Lana Popham and Health Minister Josie Osborne were on hand for the announcement.

City council voted in May of this year to support an application to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) for the new 177,600-square-foot (16,500-square-metre) centre at 34252 King Rd.

The 86-acre property is currently used for pumpkin farming, with a home located at the northeast corner.

It

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