Federal boost sends $200K to two Pontiac businesses
Tashi Farmilo
Local Journalism Initiative
MRC PONTIAC – Sophie Chatel, Pontiac MP, recently announced federal funding for two Pontiac-based projects on behalf of Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED). The non-repayable funding is part of a broader effort by the federal government to stimulate economic growth in some of the province’s more vulnerable regions.
Samonix Inc., an aquaculture company based in Quebec, has secured nearly $99,998 for its planned salmon farm, and Chalets Prunella received $99,325 to expand its accommodations.
Founded in 2020, Samonix has set its sights on developing a land-based aquaculture facility along the Ottawa River in Litchfield, a location the company believes is ideal for producing fresh, sustainably farmed salmon. The facility will supply salmon to markets in Quebec, Ontario and potentially the United States. The funding will help cover the costs of preliminary studies crucial to the project’s pre-start-up phase and will enable the company to engage a variety of stakeholders necessary for the plant’s development.
Thorne-based Chalets Prunella plans to enhance its luxurious accommodations by adding three new mini-cottages and a thermal therapy area to its 75-acre property near Johnson Lake to become a key player in the Pontiac area’s tourism sector, which has faced challenges due to a lack of quality accommodation options. The funding comes at a pivotal time for Chalets Prunella, which has already established itself as a premium destination with four high-end accommodation units. The addition of the mini-cottages and thermal therapy area is expected to attract more visitors.
“Our government is committed to driving innovation and economic development across all regions, particularly in areas that have historically been overlooked,” said Chatel. She emphasized that by investing in both organizations, the government is laying the groundwork for economic growth that will benefit the Pontiac community and beyond.
The project is part of a larger strategy by the Canadian government to support businesses that can drive regional economic growth, especially in economically challenged areas. Minister of Tourism and CED, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, said the government’s approach is designed to ensure even the most economically vulnerable regions in Quebec can participate in and benefit from the transition toward a more sustainable economy. She pointed out that Samonix’s approach to aquaculture is particularly compelling because it offers a way to farm salmon without harming oceans and delicate ecosystems.
Mathieu Farley, president and founder of Samonix, called the funding a pivotal moment for the company. “With CED’s backing, we’re taking significant steps toward establishing a world-class facility that will set new standards in sustainable salmon farming,” Farley said. He added that the company’s vision is not only to supply top-quality salmon to local markets but also to position Samonix as a global leader in environmentally responsible aquaculture.
The co-owners of Chalets Prunella, Nancy and Catherine Lemay, said the government’s support is instrumental in their business’s expansion. “It’s truly driving the growth of our business and enhancement of our tourism offering. This project is a crucial step in strengthening Chalets Prunella’s position as a destination of choice in the Outaouais and in contributing to the Pontiac’s economic development,” they stated.
Photo: Samonix Inc., has received nearly $100,000 in federal funding to support the development of a sustainable land-based salmon farming facility in Quebec’s Pontiac region. (Samonix)
