Fishermen, paddlers, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts are being asked to document access issues throughout Quebec.
Quebec, June 2, 2026 – At the dawn of the summer season, the Quebec Federation of Hunters and Fishers (FédéCP) officially launches a provincial campaign aiming to document the increasing complexity of access to lakes, rivers and the St. Lawrence Riverto raise awareness and mobilize citizens, and to contribute to the identification of concrete and sustainable solutions.
This initiative is part of a context where the combination of several factors, including the privatization of shorelines, real estate and tourism pressure, the proliferation of municipal regulations, environmental issues and fragmented governance, is gradually contributing to restricting public access to Quebec's aquatic territory.
« Quebec is a territory shaped by its lakes and rivers, but in many regions, access to waterways is becoming increasingly difficult for residents. It is important to better document this reality, to bring to light the challenges experienced on the ground, and to contribute to developing balanced and sustainable solutions. "- Pierre Caron, president of the Quebec Federation of Hunters and Fishermen
Over the next few months, the FédéCP will be deploying various awareness, mobilization and information-gathering initiatives throughout Quebec, notably through a citizen questionnaireregional initiatives and collaborations with associations and partners in the community.
An issue that goes beyond fishing
While anglers are directly affected by access restrictions, the issue also impacts a multitude of users: boaters, paddlers, outdoor enthusiasts, riverside communities, and citizens wishing to enjoy Quebec's landscapes. Access conditions can vary considerably depending on the region and municipality. In some areas, citizens face high costs for boat launches, a lack of public access, limited infrastructure, or regulations that differ from one area to another.
Added to this are growing environmental concerns, particularly related to riverbank protection and the spread of invasive aquatic species. For the FédéCP, the objective is not to pit accessibility against the protection of natural environments, but rather to promote a better structured and regulated approach, capable of reconciling the various uses of the land.
The FédéCP plans to announce soon various initiatives related to the protection of aquatic environments, including the development of washing stations in collaboration with various partners.
A mobilization effort across Quebec
As part of this offensive, the FédéCP is working with regional associations and organizations to gather information on the realities experienced in different regions of Quebec. Awareness and mobilization tools will also be distributed in the field to encourage citizens to participate in the process and share their experiences.
The Federation also wishes to highlight some inspiring initiatives already in place here and elsewhere, including approaches developed in Ontario and several American states promoting simpler and more accessible access to bodies of water, while maintaining a balance with environmental issues.
« This approach is intended to be primarily constructive and inclusive. Interesting initiatives and promising solutions already exist. The goal now is to better document them, raise awareness of them, and contribute to structuring a collective reflection on the future of access to waterways in Quebec. "- Marc Renaud, Director General of the Quebec Federation of Hunters and Fishermen
« For the Quebec Sport Fishing Association, access to waterways remains a long-standing priority. Ensuring that volunteers continue to structure an approach aligned with the FédéCP (Quebec Federation of Sport Fishing Associations) should always remain a priority. I believe in the power of numbers! It is also important to highlight the essential contribution of Mr. Stéphane Bourgeois, whose work within the association has enabled us to champion this collective issue for many years. "- Claude Dufour, former administrator of the Quebec Sport Fishing Association (APSQ)
The FédéCP also invites citizens and stakeholders to engage with their elected officials and decision-makers so that the issue of access to waterways is more widely recognized and addressed at the political and territorial levels.
About the Quebec Federation of Hunters and Fishers
The Quebec Federation of Hunters and Fishers is a non-profit organization founded in 1946 that represents 125,000 members. Its mission is to represent and defend the interests of hunters and fishermen in Quebec, to contribute to education on safe practices and to actively participate in the conservation and enhancement of wildlife in order to ensure the sustainability of resources and the perpetuation of hunting and fishing as traditional, heritage and recreational activities.
