What would a salmon farm mean for the Pontiac?

Making Informed Choices

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BAPE after first public meeting

Please note that many of the BAPE documents are in French only. If you want them in English, you will need to use translation software (like Google Translate) or find someone to translate for you.

Case Summary

From August 24 to December 24, 2026, the BAPE is holding a public hearing on the project to establish an intensively recirculating terrestrial aquaculture farm in the MRC of Pontiac.

Description of the project
The company Samonix inc. wishes to build and operate a land-based aquaculture farm with a recirculation system intended for the breeding of Atlantic salmon. This would be located on the banks of the Ottawa River, in Litchfield, in the MRC of Pontiac. This project aims to meet the growing demand for salmon in Quebec, Canada and internationally, while promoting local, controlled production that is less dependent on imports.

All of the facilities, covering an area of approximately six hectares, would allow the breeding of fish, their slaughter and their processing. At maximum capacity, the aquaculture complex would reach an annual production of 12,000 metric tons, the equivalent of approximately 2.8 million salmon.

Completion of the project would generate up to 100 permanent jobs in the region. The company estimates the total cost at US$300 million and plans to commission the facilities in 2029 for a first harvest in 2031.

For more information, read the summary of the impact study.

Next:

September 15, 2026

Speaking to the commission - Project to establish an intensively recirculating land aquaculture farm in the MRC of Pontiac by Samonix

How to express yourself

  • Transmit a point of view in writing to the commission of inquiry. Those who decide to write a brief can also choose to present it verbally to the commission;
  • Present a point of view verbally in public session without filing a brief;
  • Send a comment;
  • Transmit a commented image.

I give my point of view

How to express your point of view?

Deadline to make an appointment: September 15, 2026

This website is the home base for the Samonix Community Engagement Group, a grassroots organization in the Pontiac region of Quebec.

Samonix is proposing a dry-land salmon farm in Litchfield, Quebec, beside the Ottawa River. It will water from the river and release treated effluent back into it. Their goal is to produce 12,000 tons of fresh salmon per year.

A project this big is bound to have significant effects upon the community and environment in The Pontiac, and we want to ensure that these effects are understood and can be managed.

We have a private discussion board for members of the Group. Please email sce.pontiac@gmail.com if you are interested in joining, or for more information.