Ottawa Spending $50M to Build Three B.C. Salmon Hatcheries
The projects aim to raise more than 1 million juvenile Chinook and sockeye salmon a year as Fraser and Skeena stocks decline.
- On Tuesday, Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson announced $53 million in contracts to build three conservation-focused salmon hatcheries in British Columbia, partnering with local First Nations to rebuild depleted Pacific salmon stocks.
- Funding stems from the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative, a program launched in 2021 with a $647.1-million investment and extended in April with an additional $412.9 million for salmon conservation efforts.
- The largest $38 million contract builds the Upper Fraser River Salmon Conservation Hatchery in Prince George, while two $7.5 million contracts support facilities in Hanceville and the Skeena River system, producing more than 1 million juvenile salmon annually.
- Lheidli T'enneh Chief Dolleen Logan said the project reflects Indigenous stewardship, as First Nations partners including the Lheidli T'enneh, Gitanyow, and The Tsilhqot'in will co-manage the sites. "This is for the future," she said.
- Projected to boost early survival rates to 95 per cent, the facilities will create 100 construction jobs and 10 to 15 permanent positions at each site; salmon typically return in four-year cycles, requiring patience before measurable results appear.
23 Articles
23 Articles
New hatcheries will see up to 1 million more salmon raised and released into Fraser and Skeena Rivers annually
"Salmon are not simply a resource," Lheidli T'enneh Chief Dolleen Logan said at the announcement held in Prince George Tuesday. "Salmon are relatives. They are a part of our culture, our identity, our laws, our responsibilities."
The Toronto Star
Ottawa spending $50M to build three B.C. salmon hatcheries
PRINCE GEORGE - The federal government has announced more than $50 million in contracts for the construction of three separate hatcheries in British Columbia aimed at salmon conservation.
Government of Canada - Government of Canada and Lheidli T'enneh First Nation to build new Prince George hatchery for Fraser River Chinook
Pacific salmon have long held cultural, economic, and ecological significance for First Nations peoples and all British Columbians. Climate change, habitat loss, and fishing pressures are causing many. . .
Minister Thompson to announce investments in three salmon hatchery projects in B.C.
Prince George, B.C. - The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries and hosted by Chief Dolleen Logan, on behalf of Lheidli T'enneh First Nation, will announce funding for three new Pacific salmon conservation hatcheries in British Columbia. Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026 Time: 9:15 a.m. PT All media representatives, including
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
