Since 1990, about 7,000 hectares have been used by the horticultural peat industry, which represents 0.08% of existing peatland in Quebec.
Peatland use in Quebec
| Activities/uses | Surface (ha) |
|---|---|
| Virgin peatlands* | 11 616 797 |
| Hydroelectric basins | 120 000 |
| Drainage for forestry | 69 723 |
| Agriculture | 11 000 |
| Horticultural peat | 6 760 |
| Other (filling, construction work, etc.) | 2 020 |
| Total** | 11 826 300 |
*Of which 419,896 ha are in protected areas
**Of which 85% are located north of the 51st parallel
Source: Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife. 1988.
