Quebec will create three new national parks and expand five existing ones, in addition to the creation of new protected areas in the south, in order to promote greater access to nature.
The Minister of the Environment Benoît Charette today unveils his $1 billion Nature Plan, the objective of which is to combine the protection of the territory and its access.
It thus confirms the electoral commitments of the CAQ during the 2022 campaign. Nearly half of the sums will also be dedicated to the creation of new national parks and expansions.
“It’s on the heels of the pandemic. People have turned back to nature a lot. We want to encourage this through concrete projects,” explained Benoît Charette in an interview. “We have superb trails in Quebec” and he wants to extend them.
“The national pacs are opportunities to access nature more easily for Quebecers, with trails that are simply superb.”
Dunes-de-Tadoussac
In the sights of the Ministry of the Environment: the creation of Nibiischii Park, including Lake Mistassini, which is about to see the light of day following an agreement with the Cree Nation. Then, Quebec will transform the Dunes-de-Tadoussac into a national park soon. A BAPE has just been completed.
The third project that is in the pipeline is located on the Côte-de-Charlevoix, with the Sentier des Caps.
In addition, the expansion of Mont Orford park will finally see the light of day, while a BAPE is also about to be finalized.
“Many governments have lost their teeth on this expansion project, but this time, we are moving forward,” said the minister.
You should also expect news for the Bic, Îles-de-Boucherville, Plaisance and Mont-Saint-Bruno parks. However, the number of additional square kilometers was not revealed due to negotiations for the acquisition of territory.
You should also expect news for the Bic, Îles-de-Boucherville, Plaisance and Mont-Saint-Bruno parks. However, the number of additional square kilometers was not revealed due to negotiations for the acquisition of territory.
In total, $326 million is reserved for these developments. “We have to put management plans in place, ensure that we have the human resources to get there and in certain cases, it can be for the acquisition of territory,” explains Benoît Charette.
“Environmental groups will also be able to find funding there so that they can continue their mobilization, particularly with indigenous communities.” It is the network of the Société des establishments de plein air du Québec (SEPAQ) which will manage it.
Protect the territory
The first objective of the plan remains the achievement of 30% of protected areas on the territory of Quebec by 2030. Currently, Quebec has managed to secure 17%, mainly in northern Quebec. The minister promises announcements in the South soon thanks to investments of $467 million.
“This is an ongoing call for projects which will end in the coming weeks. So with projects in different regions in the south of Quebec and which are supported by the communities. These are the projects that we will look at as a priority over the coming months,” assured Minister Charette, promising a “beautiful distribution” both in terms of the territory and the variety of protected areas.
“We have good protected areas in the North, but we need to put more emphasis in the South,” he admits.
Challenge
“Quebec is a very vast territory,” notes Minister Charette. “A single percentage is equivalent to 17,000 square kilometers. So going from 17% to 30% over the next few years is a colossal challenge.”
The minister is counting on several measures to honor his commitment.
“These are not just protected areas. There are other protective measures that are effective, which will be put forward to allow the environment to occupy these territories. So, it’s going to be a combination,” he explained, convinced he will succeed.
Three new national parks
Creation of the Côte-de-Charlevoix park (Malbaie, 70 km2)
Creation of the Dunes-de-Tadoussac park (5 km2 North Shore)
Creation of Nibiischii Park (Northern Quebec, 12,000 km2)
Five expansions
Expansion of Bic Park
Expansion of the Îles-de-Boucherville park
Expansion of the Plaisance park
Expansion of Mont Orford Park
Expansion of Mont-Saint-Bruno Park
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