Should Habitat Compensation for Endangered Copper Redhorse Fish Be Approved?

Official title: Compensatory measures for the copper redhorse on the Verchères islands

Closed Environmental Assessment Environment & Climate Natural Resources
The Montreal Port Authority wants to build a container terminal in Contrecoeur. The catch? It'll destroy underwater grass beds that an endangered fish—the copper redhorse—needs to survive. To make up for this, they're proposing to create new habitat near Île aux Bœufs in the St. Lawrence River. The plan includes building rock structures to calm ship waves and planting 3.1 hectares of aquatic plants.

Why This Matters

The copper redhorse is one of Canada's most endangered freshwater fish, found only in Quebec. This project tests whether industrial development can coexist with species protection. If you care about the St. Lawrence ecosystem or live near Verchères, this decision affects your local environment.

What Could Change

If approved, construction of a 327-metre deflector dike and 316-metre breakwater could begin July 15, 2025. The Port Authority would create 3.1 hectares of new aquatic grass beds to offset habitat lost to the container terminal. This sets a precedent for how future port expansions handle endangered species.

Key Issues

  • Will the proposed habitat compensation adequately offset the loss of feeding habitat for the endangered copper redhorse?
  • Are the rock structures and planted aquatic vegetation likely to successfully establish new seagrass beds?
  • Is the project likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on federal lands?

Indigenous Consultation

This consultation requires engagement with Indigenous communities under the Crown's duty to consult.