Compensation
plan

This project aims to restore the natural processes in the Rivière des Escoumins, which were previously altered by river straightening associated with log driving activities. By restoring these dynamic natural processes, it will create meanders that will sustainably improve Atlantic salmon habitats along more than 90% of the river’s frequented stretch. The work, carried out on three sections of the river (T14, T20, and T28), includes the installation of large woody debris, channel excavation, and the creation of sediment recharge banks. Developed by OBV Haute-Côte-Nord with support from LERGA at UQAC, the project is based on an internationally recognized restoration approach unique to Quebec.

This project aims to restore critical habitat for the reproduction of yellow perch and other species in Lac Saint-Pierre by improving hydraulic connectivity with adjacent rivers, water quality, and access to the spawning grounds. These interventions will support the health of fish populations in Lac Saint-Pierre, an important cultural element for the Abenaki community of Odanak, as well as the vitality of local recreational fishing. The work includes restoring fish channels and creating two breaches to the Rivière Saint-François to ensure continuous water flow. Vegetated banks will be established to promote reproduction, and two culverts will be installed to maintain access to the bay for local users.

QIO will finance the creation of a research fund to study the long-term effects on Atlantic salmon resulting from the development of future fish passages on the Nabisipi River (2027) and Aguanish River (2029), two of our projects included in the current compensation plan.

Led by UQAC, this research program will examine factors such as habitat connectivity and quality, salmon productivity, species interactions, and the integration of Indigenous traditional knowledge. The results will help advance scientific understanding and support the 2016–2026 Atlantic Salmon Management Plan.

This project aims to enhance fish habitat along the waterways connecting Lac Daviault to Lac des Huards and Lac Carheil. The work includes expanding and creating spawning grounds in these outflows to promote brook trout reproduction and support the overall health of fish populations throughout this ecosystem.

This project aims to replace, by 2028, two damaged and impassable culverts located at the ends of Lac Maryjo. The work will restore free fish passage and ensure access to habitats upstream and downstream, thereby supporting the health and connectivity of local aquatic ecosystems.

The project, proposed by the Conseil de la Nation Innue de Nutashkuan, aims to make Grande Chute (PK 39.2) on the Nabisipi River, located 35 km west of Natashquan, passable. By constructing a fish passage composed of thresholds and pools along the right bank, nearly 75 km of river stretch and 550 ha of high-quality habitat will become accessible, representing over 70% of the river’s salmon production potential.

The project, proposed by the Conseil de la Nation Innue de Nutashkuan, aims to make Quatrième Chute (PK 16) on the Aguanish River, located 12 km north of Aguanish, passable. The construction of a fish passage composed of thresholds and pools along the left bank will allow salmon to access upstream habitats, representing 93% of the river’s production potential.

Proposed by the Nation innue d’Uashat mak Mani-Utenam (ITUM), this project was launched following the July 2017 failure of a culvert at the outflow of Lac Mitaine. It aims to restore the lake’s water level—an important area for the community—and improve aquatic habitat quality. The work includes installing a series of concrete thresholds to raise and stabilize the lake level while allowing fish passage.

This project, carried out in the summer of 2025, involved planting vegetation along portions of the banks of the Lac Perchard outflow, an important fish spawning habitat that runs through the town of Fermont. The goal is to stabilize the banks, reduce sediment and other contaminant inputs, and improve aquatic habitat quality. Over 2,300 native trees and shrubs were planted along the banks to achieve these objectives.

To come

• The process for identifying compensation projects aims to prioritize opportunities within the watershed where the impact occurs and, in the case of fish habitat, to focus on the species affected by the project. In our case, since the region around Fermont already hosts numerous mines and mining projects, many compensation projects have already been carried out in the area. As a result, there are few remaining potential projects that would have a significant impact on the targeted habitats.

  With this in mind, we expanded our search radius to identify projects addressing known and priority issues, where the benefits would be substantial, explaining why some initiatives are located elsewhere in Quebec.

• Each project undergoes rigorous monitoring for a minimum of five years (years 1, 3, and 5 after completion). If the monitoring reports indicate that objectives are not being met, we commit to implementing the necessary corrective actions and conducting additional follow-ups if relevant. In our effort to achieve a real long-term impact, we also works closely with host communities to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to maintain the sustainability of the projects over time.

• We consult stakeholders and Indigenous communities throughout the planning, implementation, and monitoring phases of our projects. These communities know their territory better than anyone, and their input helps us develop projects that are better adapted and more seamlessly integrated.