Benjamin Segobaetso
Published online October 7, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
Campbell’s Bay – A project designed to keep more of Pontiac’s food, and the money it generates, closer to home has put the region in the provincial spotlight. MRC Pontiac’s AgriSaveur project captured first place in the 2026 Municipal Leadership Award presented by the Fédération québécoise des municipalités (FQM), beating two other finalists for the provincial honour. AgriSaveur went head-to-head with MRC de Montcalm’s Parc régional de Kilkenny and Saint-Prime’s Quartier Vertuose before being named the winner at the FQM’s annual convention in Quebec City.
For MRC Pontiac Warden Jane Toller, the victory was particularly sweet. She told the Pontiac Journal it is the first time during her tenure as warden that the MRC has won an award of this kind. “This recognition is a tremendous source of pride for our region,” Toller said. “AgriSaveur demonstrates what can be achieved when municipalities, producers, businesses, and partners work together toward a common goal.”
Asked why AgriSaveur rose above the competition, Toller pointed to the project’s ability to meet the FQM’s evaluation criteria while tackling a familiar rural challenge: how to turn what is produced locally into more economic activity at home. The award considers factors such as innovation, community mobilization, revitalization, development of local human capital and collaboration. Economic-development potential and support for entrepreneurship are also considered.
AgriSaveur brings food processing, regional slaughter capacity and local-product marketing together under a broader regional strategy. Toller said the selection jury recognized the model for its potential to support entrepreneurs, create value-added opportunities and keep a larger share of the economic benefits generated by agriculture within Pontiac. “The FQM selection jury characterized the initiative as contributing to a regional economy that is stronger, more resilient and sustainable,” she said.
Launched in 2023 as MRC Pontiac’s Signature Innovation Project, AgriSaveur aims to strengthen food autonomy by providing producers and processors with infrastructure closer to home. The premise is straightforward: instead of simply producing agricultural goods in Pontiac and sending them elsewhere for processing, more of that work — and potentially more of its economic value — can remain in the region. “Not only does this project strengthen our local economy, but it also helps build a more self-sufficient and sustainable future for Pontiac,” Toller said.
The celebration, however, comes before the final test. AgriSaveur is still moving through its final stages toward completion, meaning the provincial trophy recognizes the project’s model and potential before its longer-term economic results can be fully measured. For Pontiac producers and entrepreneurs, the bigger prize will be what happens next. Winning first place has given AgriSaveur provincial recognition. Turning that recognition into new businesses, stronger local processing and more money staying in Pontiac will determine whether the project ultimately lives up to the promise that won it the award.
