Press Releases

Reminder to the public: Magnet Fishing is prohibited in all historic canals administered by Parks Canada 

MONTRÉAL, QUEBEC, July 7, 2023 – Magnet fishing is a growing practice. Although perceived as a means of voluntary environmental clean-up, this activity is strictly prohibited in all historic canals administered by Parks Canada.

Under the Historic Canal Regulations (sections 3 and 11.2), the removal of any object from a historic canal is not permitted at any time without first obtaining a permit. 

At first glance, while the objective of removing objects from the canals may seem commendable, this practice poses a greater risk to the environment and to visitor safety than simply leaving the objects in place. Stirring up the bottom of the canals can not only disturb aquatic habitats but can also release contaminated sediments in sites that have a significant industrial past. Participants may be exposed to the handling of dangerous objects such as weapons or other sharp objects, as well as potentially contaminated elements.                                             

Historic canals are made up of various structures whose integrity can also be affected by the practice of this activity. In addition to bridges and footbridges, the canals include weirs and siphons, water, and electrical conduits, and potential archaeological remains that could be damaged or destroyed by the practice of magnetic fishing. Parks Canada's mandate is to protect and conserve cultural and natural resources. Consequently, such an activity cannot be authorized and anyone found in non-compliance could be subject to a fine.

Lachine Canal National Historic Site officially kicks off its 2023 boating season!

SAINT-OURS, Quebec, May 19, 2023 – The Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site is pleased to welcome boaters for the 2023 boating season. This morning, the Parks Canada team was happy to welcome the first boaters of the season!

Whether they’re looking for adventure, fun for the whole family, a chance to explore nature and history, or a break from everyday life, the historic canals administered by Parks Canada in Quebec offer countless fun and unique experiences to suit every visitor’s and boater’s needs.

Should you wish to learn more about the historic canals, please consult the Parks Canada Website and follow us on Facebook @QCCanals.

Spread the word, and enjoy the 2023 navigational season!

Parks Canada Reservations Launching In March 2023

Quebec, February 20, 2023 – Parks Canada knows that Canadians are eager to confirm their travel plans for 2023 and want to make their camping reservations as soon as possible. Parks Canada will be launching reservations for the 2023 visitor season in mid-March until early April. Launch dates for national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas vary by location. Visit the following web page to confirm the launch dates and times for Parks Canada destinations across the country: https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/reserve#datestime

PARKS CANADA SITES IN QUEBEC

For Parks Canada administered places in Quebec, reservations will open on March 15, 2023, at 8 a.m. E.T.  Campsites and roofed accommodations at Forillon National Park, La Mauricie National Park, Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve and Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site will be available for reservation. 

As well as booking on-line through the Parks Canada Reservation Service, visitors can make reservations by calling 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783) anytime on March 15 or after. 

Vegetation Intervention

SAINT-OURS, Quebec, December 12, 2022 – Parks Canada wishes to inform the public that 11 dead ash trees will soon be cut down at the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site. Located on Darvard Island, these dead trees must be removed to ensure the safety of site users.

Parks Canada is initiating various activities to revitalize and preserve the Saint-Ours Canal’s vegetation. This includes implementing a re-planting plan. On November, 14 trees and 8 shrubs were planted on site (oaks, red maples, yellow birches, lilacs, elderberries, viburnums and cedars). Selected vegetation is planted in locations that are deemed suitable to ensure optimal growth and do not pose a risk to the integrity of the site and of the canal elements.

Parks Canada takes a number of criteria into consideration when selecting vegetation types or tree species, such as life expectancy, resilience to the site conditions (pollution, drought, soil compaction, etc.), existing flora and fauna, diversity, the specific nature of the area, root system and aesthetics. Parks Canada recognizes that the tree canopy and extensive greenery are important elements of the Saint-Ours Canal and will continue to implement various measures to re plant trees and restore vegetation to preserve the natural beauty of this heritage site.

Young sport fishers in action!

Parks Canada Agency and the Fondation de la faune du Québec introduce young people to sport fishing

Saint-Ours, July 5, 2022 — On Saturday, August 6 at the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site, Parks Canada will welcome 20 young people for a day-long initiation into sport fishing as part of the Young Sport Fishers' Program activities. With the support of Canadian Tire, its main partner, and the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (MFFP), this program promotes the next generation of sport fishers.

This Parks Canada activity, which is already sold out, was selected as one of the best projects for coaching and training young anglers. With the authorization of the MFFP, each young person will receive a Young Sport Fisher certificate, which will serve as a fishing licence until they turn 18.

During the 2022 summer season, the Fondation expects to reach close to 16,500 new enthusiasts, notably through local organizations that offer Young Sport Fishers introductory activities including quality training on fishing, safety, regulations, habitat and fish biology, followed by a fishing period supervised by qualified resources. Since its inception in 1997, the Young Sport Fishers' Program has introduced more than 320,000 youth to fishing.

After a two-year hiatus, we are pleased to be able to offer the Young Sport Fishers' Program in an updated format that is accessible to more youth. Thank you to Parks Canada Agency for ensuring that the next generation of anglers is introduced to sport fishing through their activities and training,

The Young Sport Fishers' Program is a presentation of the Fondation de la faune du Québec, with the support of its main partner, Canadian Tire.

About us

The mission of the Fondation de la faune du Québec is to enhance and promote conservation of wildlife and its habitat. Thanks to the contribution of more than one million hunters, fishers and trappers in Quebec, thousands of donors and numerous private companies, the Fondation has been supporting more than 2,000 organizations throughout Quebec since 1987, creating a true wildlife movement.

Team Up and Help Us Clean Up the Shorelines of the Chambly Canal!

Borrow your cleaning kit now

Chambly, Quebec, June 6 – Parks Canada is proud to support the "Team Up and Clean Up the Shoreline" program, a national initiative to keep Canada's shorelines free of litter, including plastic waste that can remain in the environment for up to 1,000 years. Two of Parks Canada's historic canals in Quebec have been selected to participate in this year's program: the Lachine and Chambly canals will welcome volunteers throughout the summer who would like to contribute to the cleanliness of their favourite canal by lending them the necessary equipment to pick up litter.

Interested parties can request their cleaning kit from Parks Canada staff at Locks 1, 2, 3 or 9. Each set contains a bucket, a pair of gloves, a clipboard, a data sheet, a pencil and a scale. Be sure to bring a first aid kit, hand sanitizer and sunscreen! After their collection, participants must keep track of the litter they have collected using a tracking form that will be provided to them. Collecting data amplifies the long-term impact of actions taken; this valuable information helps Parks Canada identify and mitigate sources of canal-side litter. Kits are available in limited quantities.

Through this simple act, volunteers will participate in citizen science and contribute to marine litter research. Together, we will help make the shorelines safer for both wildlife and humans.

Launch of the Boating Season at

Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site

Saint-Ours, May 20, 2022 – The warm weather is finally here! It’s the perfect time to head back outside and reconnect with the places we love!

Today, the Parks Canada’s team was happy to welcome the first boat of the 2022 season at the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site.

Looking for a vacation destination for the summer? Think oTENTik!

It’s still possible to reserve your stay in an oTENTik accommodation at the Saint-Ours Canal; there are still a few availabilities for the summer! Whether you want to try out this exclusive type of ready-to-camp accommodation offered in Parks Canada locations or simply want a little getaway not too far from home, Parks Canada staff will be happy to welcome you on the banks of the Richelieu River. Ready to relax? Make a reservation now! https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/saintours

Saint-Ours Canal Management Plan Tabled in Parliament 

Saint-Ours, Quebec, December 21, 2021 –  The management plan for Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site was tabled in Parliament recently. Reviewed every 10 years, management plans are a legislative requirement of the Canada National Parks Act and guide the management of Parks Canada places.

National historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of our nation. 

The new plan for the Saint-Ours Canal outlines the following key objectives: 

• Transforming the Saint-Ours Canal into a historical jewel and landmark along the Richelieu River by taking advantage of its location,
• Improving the condition of the site’s facilities and infrastructure by enhancing a variety of users’ experience (boaters, visitors and campers),
• Ensuring the sustainability of the infrastructure and preserving the commemorative integrity of the Saint-Ours Canal by mitigating the negative impacts of flooding. 

The plan was developed through public consultation and based on input from local residents and organizations, visitors, stakeholders, partners and Indigenous communities of the Montérégie region. Through this management plan, Parks Canada is meeting its promise to protect and present Canada’s cultural heritage while also providing an opportunity for Canadians to experience and discover our diverse history in new and exciting ways.

The Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site Management Plan is available on the Parks Canada website.

Launch of the Boating Season at Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site

Saint-Ours, May 21, 2021 - Today, Parks Canada’s team was happy to welcome, at the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site, the first boater of the 2021 season. 

The health and safety of visitors, boaters and employees is of the utmost importance and the Agency will follow the advice and guidance of public health authorities to determine visitor access and services. 

Transport Canada's physical distancing standards for Canadian boaters must also be respected. It is possible that boat capacity may be considerably reduced depending on the canal, and that the wait time increase. 

For more details about the service periods and the measures taken by the Agency to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Quebec’s historic canals, please visit the Important information about your visit to the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site webpage or call 1-888-773-8888 to plan your visit. 

Canal Banks Visitors 

Parks Canada is asking visitors to follow the advice of public health experts and to practice physical distancing and hygiene measures, limit public gatherings, as well as respect travel restrictions. 

Visitors should also leave no trace when they are visiting canal banks. Garbage containers have been installed to that end. If a garbage can is full, visitors should use the next one or bring their garbage with them. 

It is again possible to book a stay in our oTENTik accommodation units located on Darvard Island for the summer season. Reservations are mandatory and must be made through the Parks Canada website reservation.pc.gc.ca or by phone at 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783). 

Public Consultation: There’s still time to make yourself heard

Since May 1, Parks Canada invites visitors, residents of Saint-Ours and of adjacent neighbourhoods, partners, and organizations to contribute to the future vision of the Canal by sharing their views on the draft Management Plan for the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site. Consultations will end on May 31. 

More information about the draft Management Plan and opportunities for input are available at www.consultationcanal.ca.

Parks Canada invites the public to share their views on the draft management plan for the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site

Saint-Ours, Quebec, May 3, 2021 – Parks Canada is pleased to invite the public to share their views on the draft management plan for the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site. Once finished, this new plan will guide management actions and decisions for the Canal for a ten-year period and will be a key tool to engage stakeholders and partners. 

In March 2019, to provide food for thought for the development of the new draft management plan, Parks Canada carried out a vision exercise, with a range of stakeholders in Saint-Ours. Since then, consultations that should have followed were delayed according to public health experts’ recommendations, and will now have to be held virtually, to ensure the health and safety of participants and staff.  

Parks Canada now invites visitors, residents of Saint-Ours and of adjacent neighbourhoods, partners, and organizations to contribute to the future vision of the Canal by attending the public consultation. On-line, participants will be able to view information on the draft management plan, discuss with Parks Canada representatives and share their views on the platform provided for that purpose. Presentation of the draft management plan will also take place. 

Following are a number of proposals that the public will be asked to comment on: 

• Transforming the Saint-Ours Canal into a historical jewel and landmark along the Richelieu River by taking advantage of its location,
• Improving the condition of the site’s facilities and infrastructure by enhancing a variety of users’ experience (boaters, visitors and campers),
• Ensuring the sustainability of the infrastructure and preserving the commemorative integrity of the Saint-Ours Canal by mitigating the negative impacts of flooding. 

The virtual sessions will take place on May 26, at 7 p.m. No reservation required.

Login: https://canada.webex.com/meet/Canal-de-St-Ours 

Those interested may consult a summary of the plan and comment online until May 31, 2021, at www.consultationcanal.ca.