Construction set to begin on new salmon hatchery in Prince George
-
Share on Facebook
-
Share on Bluesky
-
Share on X
- Copy Link
PRINCE GEORGE — A major new salmon conservation project is moving ahead in Prince George, with the federal government awarding a contract worth more than $38 million to build the Upper Fraser River Salmon Conservation Hatchery.
Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson announced Tuesday that IDL Projects Inc. has been selected as the general contractor for the project, which is being developed in partnership with Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. The facility will be constructed on the north bank of the Nechako River near its confluence with the Fraser River, within Lheidli T’enneh territory.
The hatchery is being built in response to significant declines in Fraser River Chinook salmon populations, driven by factors including climate change, habitat loss and fishing pressures. Once operational, the facility will be owned and operated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, with collaborative management involving Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and support from Canfor.
Officials say the hatchery will initially be capable of raising 400,000 juvenile Chinook salmon annually, with the possibility of expanding capacity in the future. The site could also support enhancement programs for other salmon species, including sockeye. The project is expected to result in thousands of additional adult salmon returning to the Fraser River system each year.
