The MRC Pontiac and the Pontiac AgriSaveur Solidarity Cooperative commit to a long-term, innovative and community-driven project
At the September 17 Council of Mayors meeting, two key resolutions were adopted to secure the future of the abattoir in the Pontiac:
- The approval of a 30-year emphyteutic agreement (a notarized long-term lease) between the MRC Pontiac and the AgriSaveur Cooperative;
- The allocation of an additional $350,000 to complete the work required to get the facility back up and running.
These resolutions mark a major turning point in a project led in close collaboration between the MRC and a group of local agricultural producers who are determined to equip the Pontiac with a shared facility that is essential to the development of local and regional agriculture.
Updating a Facility, Reinventing a Project
The abattoir was acquired by the MRC in 2024, following a bankruptcy. As is often the case with such transactions, no full inspection of the building was possible prior to the purchase. As the relaunch work progressed, technical issues were uncovered. Such findings are not uncommon in the context of reactivating existing assets. However, they do require additional investment to ensure the safety, regulatory compliance, and the long-term efficiency and viability of operations.
A groundbreaking Model for Quebec’s Agri-Food sector
This is not simply a reopening of the former abattoir. It is the creation of a brand-new cooperative enterprise, well-structured, locally rooted, and responsibly led by those who depend on it: agricultural producers.
The 30-year agreement with the AgriSaveur Cooperative is a first in Quebec in the field of meat processing. This model combines public expertise with local commitment to build a resilient, replicable, and sustainable solution. This project has sparked curiosity and interest among various regional stakeholders.
Action! A Focus on Fall
The necessary work is set to begin the week of September 22, with the goal of completing the work by mid-November. A gradual start-up phase will follow, including tests and adjustments, in close collaboration with producers.
Everyone is eager to see this project come to life and no one more so than the producers themselves, who have long been waiting to access local, farmer-focused processing facilities that respect their work and values.
A Regional Project That Could Inspire a New Model
The MRC Pontiac and the Cooperative continue to move forward strategically and with care. Since the beginning, each step has been approached thoughtfully, with a focus on making sound, collective decisions even when that means taking a bit more time.
This project is about much more than a building: it is a lever for economic, agricultural, and community development across the region. Despite the challenges, the work continues with determination and pride. This is a truly local initiative, built to last, that reflects an unprecedented level of local mobilization, with positive impact regionally that may well become a model for the future of Quebec’s agri-food sector.
