Upgrades planned for Charlo Salmonid Enhancement Centre

Release

Regional Development Corporation

May 19, 2026

HERON BAY (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments are investing $375,117 in infrastructure upgrades at the Charlo Salmonid Enhancement Centre.

The improvements are intended to secure a more reliable water supply for the fish hatchery and research facility, and support long-term aquaculture operations.

“To protect our ecosystems, preserve species and strengthen our aquaculture sector, we need to ensure that key facilities like the Charlo Salmonid Enhancement Centre have the infrastructure they need to operate sustainably into the future,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage, who is also the minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation. “By supporting this project, we are helping to safeguard water resources, strengthen food production capacity, protect local jobs and ensure this important organization can continue its work for years to come.”

The project includes drilling a new, larger well, acquiring an industrial fish grader, and upgrading and modernizing the water distribution system.

“This project strengthens the Charlo Salmonid Enhancement Centre’s capacity to adapt to climate change, while modernizing essential infrastructures,” said Madawaska-Restigouche MP Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault. “It supports a key element of the New Brunswick aquaculture ecosystem by ensuring long-term stability for its activities and ongoing management of our natural resources.”

Deschênes-Thériault attended for federal Justice Minister and Attorney General Sean Fraser, who is also minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

The provincial government is contributing $166,052 through the Regional Development Corporation’s Community Development Fund, while the federal government is contributing $209,065 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

“This investment underscores Charlo Salmonid Enhancement Centre’s constant commitment to protecting the permanence of the hatchery,” said Ken Chartrand, president of the centre’s board of directors. “Modernizing key infrastructure – such as water supply systems and fish grading equipment – allows us to strengthen operations at a facility that has served the region for 89 years. We sincerely acknowledge the federal and provincial governments for their continued support, which has enabled the centre to carry out critical upgrades and ensure this historic hatchery remains sustainable well into the future.”

19-05-26