SAINTE MADELEINE | All Quebecers now have access to the territory of the Seigneurie de la Rivière-de-la-Madeleine in Gaspésie. The news was announced last Thursday by Minister for Forests, Wildlife and Parks Pierre Dufour, Sépaq Vice-President for Operations Dave Boulet and Sainte-Madeleine Mayor Joël Côté.
“Three hundred and forty-three years later, the residents of Gaspé finally have access to this part of the territory,” explains Mayor Côté. Sharing this exceptional natural jewel is another reason to visit our beautiful Haute-Gaspésie. I am delighted that our voice has been heard and that together we can celebrate the beginning of a beautiful love story with the Seigneurie de la Rivière-de-la-Madeleine. »
Minister Dufour always knew that this territory must be preserved. “Once people with different interests tried to acquire this unique 42 square kilometer area, which offers great hunting and fishing opportunities, including salmon,” said the minister. Fortunately, ownership of the site was transferred to the Quebec government to preserve the seigneurial assets here. When we came to power in 2018, Pierre Fitzgibbon questioned me about the dossier to propose that I delegate this dossier to Sépaq. I am therefore proud that this natural space, of a beauty worthy of the Gaspé Peninsula, is open to all doors. »
For his part, Sépaq Vice-President Dave Boulet stressed: “We will do everything we can to improve this expansion of the Chic Chocs Game Reserve. Our organization promotes access to hunting and fishing activities from the 2023 season. Already, the population can take advantage of the facilities in place to enjoy the beauty of the site. »
A LEADING PLAYER
In all these adventures that have led to the opening of this territory to the general public, there is a very important actor who has worked in the shadows and whose role has been essential in the realization of the project. This is the Minister for Economy and Innovation, Pierre Fitzgibbon.
Courtesy photo
Built in the time of Domtar, this pavilion was intended to house hunters and fishermen who will remain on the site.
“I had the opportunity to discover this gem in the mid-1990s.” At that time, the seigneurie belonged to the paper company Domtar, where I was one of the managers, the minister explained in an interview. The first salmon I caught in my life was on the Madeleine River. It must be understood that the seigneurie was owned by the company at the time, meaning that the land and river were owned by Domtar. For various reasons it was eventually agreed to put this site up for sale. We feared this gem would fall into the hands of a foreign company. In this sense, in the early 2000s, all assets were transferred to the Société générale de financement du Québec. You know very well that Investissement Québec is not an operator of fishing camps. In all that time the Seignory has not been exploited. »
A phone call to the minister quickly changed the situation. “When I took office in October 2018, when I was responsible for the economy, where we founded Investissement Québec, among other things, I received a call from the Mayor of Rivière-Madeleine to see if there was a way to change the status of to change the dominion to make this unique jewel accessible to the populace. After a long process, it was agreed that the best way was via Sépaq. The Society of Outdoor Establishments of Quebec is therefore now responsible for site operations. I am very proud that the population can benefit from this unique location. I firmly believe that Sépaq will do a very good job. I would also like to thank Domtar’s President and CEO at the time, Raymond Royer, for his enlightened vision on the subject. He knew how to develop the site in a remarkable way. »
DATA
Sépaq officials have planned a conservation and improvement plan for the site, which includes a four-bedroom pavilion for amateurs.
With kind approval
The turbulent waters of the Madeleine River hold some big surprises for salmon fishermen.
This area offers privileged access to the Salmon River and the Gulf of Saint Lawrence coast. The fishing potential is excellent. Salmon Catch and Moose Hunt packages will be available in 2023. Bear and small game hunting trips, as well as hikes and other activities are planned for the future.
To help you discover this place, Sépaq has set up picnic tables on the shores of the sea, where you can take the opportunity to eat something or cast a fishing rod in the waters of the Gulf.
Very quickly you will understand the richness of the site and the reasons that have motivated the various stakeholders to preserve it in Quebec’s natural heritage.