Revision of La Mauricie National Park's management plan

The consultations demonstrated strong support for the content proposed in the draft management plan. In discussions with Parks Canada, partners, stakeholders and First Nations indicated that they are generally comfortable with the content of the draft management plan, while offering several ideas.

The results of the online survey of over 450 people also demonstrated strong public support for the proposed strategies and objectives with over 90% of respondents choosing "completely agree" or "agree."

The survey responses and comments highlighted the importance that Parks Canada must place on protecting the natural environment. Preservation of natural environments and the "nature" experience must be taken into account in all future actions by Parks Canada at La Mauricie National Park.

Partners and stakeholders mentioned the importance of Parks Canada working collaboratively to protect ecological corridors. Wildlife, especially species at risk, does not remain within the park's boundaries and also travels outside the park. The new management plan will demonstrate Parks Canada's willingness to integrate this concern as several objectives relate to the implementation of collaborative conservation initiatives within and outside the Parks Canada administered territory.

The consultations demonstrated the public's desire to limit the development of the park, particularly with respect to new infrastructure. The directions of the next management plan and the reinforcement of zoning will take this into account and will give precise limits to possible future developments. Parks Canada does not intend to expand the developed areas, but rather to build on and eventually optimize existing infrastructure to better meet visitor needs, protect the environment and enhance the park's "nature" experience. The activity offer will also take into account the ecological importance of the territory and will aim to promote its conservation, to make visitors aware of its value, and to initiate them to the behaviours to adopt in a natural environment.

The issue of accessibility was raised several times. It seems important to adapt certain infrastructures to allow access to people with disabilities, but above all, these measures must be accompanied by real experience offers that take into account the needs of these visitors. It is not only a matter of allowing people with disabilities to move around the park, but also of offering them opportunities to have pleasant and enriching experiences, just like other clients.

Several comments emphasized that "physical" contact with the natural environment should be favoured and that it would not be necessary to rely too heavily on new technologies. The importance of judicious use of new technologies in order to reap the benefits without detracting from the "nature" experience was stressed.

The public has repeatedly said that the national park should not be used to host too many large-scale events. Parks Canada should not seek to increase visitation and visibility through new major events. Parks Canada will give priority to small-scale activities that enhance opportunities to enjoy the national park without limiting access to non-participating visitors and with minimal environmental impact.

Many comments focused on the limitations caused by the dog prohibition in the park. Many visitors do not go to the park because they cannot bring their pets on the trails. Parks Canada has a mandate to protect wildlife and natural environments, and the presence of dogs can cause conflicts with protected animals in the park. However, in the coming years, Parks Canada will conduct a pilot project for a dog trail in La Mauricie National Park that will allow dog owners to enjoy a hiking trail in the national park, in a setting that limits negative impacts on wildlife and natural environments.

Many mentioned their interest in the presentation of the recent history of the national park, including the context of its creation, the establishment of the Parkway, etc.

Members of the public and partners also stressed the importance of working with First Nations to present their cultures and knowledge to the public. Collaboration between Parks Canada and First Nations will be a key element in the future management of the national park.

Members of the public, partners and stakeholders all mentioned the issues related to cohabitation between Parkway users. Many said that the quality of the road surface and its winding character may attract a clientele more interested in the pleasure of driving than in enjoying the natural environment. Participants in the consultations mentioned noise-related nuisances for both visitors and wildlife, as well as public safety issues and accidents. Parks Canada understands these concerns. As part of the implementation of the next management plan, measures will be put in place to facilitate better use of the Parkway, which will promote harmonious cohabitation between users and greater safety in order to minimize noise pollution and reduce the number of accidents.