This story was originally posted on May 31. Many of the details in this update are new.
A mysterious company is hoping to start a fish farm in Kootenay Lake near Taghum. But the Albeit Aquaculture Corporation seems to be uninterested in engaging with the community and not particularly knowledgeable about how to go about starting a fish farm. Or they are pranksters.
The Star‘s search of B.C.’s corporate registry shows no company by that name is registered in B.C.
They posted a Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land under the Land Act on old bridge pilings near Taghum. The notice (see photo below) said the company intends to apply to the Ministry of Transportation for use of the Taghum Road right of way.
It is unclear why anyone would begin by applying to use a highway right of way. Fish farms are regulated by a combination of the federal fisheries ministry, Transport Canada, and the provincial forests and agriculture ministries.
Regional District of Central Kootenay representative Ramona Faust told the Star that she has contacted those ministries but the company has so far not applied to any of them. Front Counter B.C. has told the media that no one has applied to the province to start a fish farm in the West Kootenay.
When the Star tried contacting the company through the email address provided on the notice, it bounced.
The legal description listed on the notice does not exist. The district lot number given in the legal description happens to be the civic address of the Taghum Hall — 5915 Taghum Hall Road. (Thanks to an astute reader for pointing this out.)
Albeit Aquaculture’s website gives no information about the company or its projects other than this brief statement in which it misspells its own company name:
“We are focused on the sustainable development of land locked fish farming. Sustainable for our food supply at home and abroad and sustainable for the environment. We understand that the term ‘fish farm’ has negative connotations but once you get to know Albeit Aquacutlure (sic), we are sure your views will be the same that we hold so precious.”
When the Star filled in a field on the website last week to request further information, the response was, “Thank you for your interest in fish farming. A company representative will get back to you shorty (sic)”
There has been no response. Meanwhile, local residents have been signing a petition directed at the provincial government, against fish farming in Kootenay Lake.
