William Dale
Published online June 17, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
CAMPBELL’S BAY – The Campbell’s Bay Recreation Centre was packed June 4 as residents gathered for a Bureau of Public Hearings on the Environment (BAPE) information session on Samonix’s proposed $300-million land-based Atlantic salmon farm in Litchfield.
The meeting gave residents an opportunity to question company representatives and consultants about the project, which would see Atlantic salmon raised indoors at the former Smurfit-Stone mill site. The proposed facility could produce up to 12,000 tonnes of salmon annually and employ more than 100 people once operational.
Samonix president and founder Mathieu Farley said the project would use a recirculating aquaculture system designed to reuse 99% of its water. “This project is all inland, greatly limiting the impact on ecosystems,” said Farley.
Project representatives also outlined plans for water intake and discharge pipelines extending into the Ottawa River. Fred Brisco, Samonix’s director of technical development, said the lines would be installed using horizontal directional drilling beneath the riverbed to minimize disturbance to the shoreline and aquatic habitat.
Because salmon require slightly saline water during part of their growth cycle, discharged water would contain salt. Brisco said environmental modelling indicates salinity levels would fall below harmful thresholds within a short distance of the discharge point.
Environmental consultant Adèle Lamarche addressed concerns related to the protected hickorynut mussel, saying any mussels found within the construction footprint would be relocated to suitable nearby habitat before work begins.
During the question period, several residents commended the company for the amount of information provided and its willingness to answer questions. Others emphasized the importance of protecting water quality in the Ottawa River and raised concerns about potential noise from pumps, filtration equipment, backup generators and increased truck traffic.
Brisco said a sound study found noise levels at the property’s boundaries would remain low. He noted the nearest residence is approximately 2.8 kilometres from the site and said projected sound levels would be about 42 decibels.
Residents have until June 26 at 11:59 pm to request a public hearing or mediation through the provincial environmental review process. Information on how to submit a request is available on the BAPE project page.
If approved, Samonix expects construction to begin in 2028, receive its first salmon eggs in 2029 and achieve its first harvest in 2031.
