Bill introduced to protect Gatineau Park in federal legislation

Katharine Fletcher

Chelsea, Quebec: On June 12, the Honourable Senator Rosa Galvez, Independent Senator from Quebec, and Liberal MP for Pontiac Kitigan Zibi, Sophie Chatel announced the submission to the Senate of Bill S-229, “An Act to amend the National Capital Act (Gatineau Park)”. If passed, it will grant legal status to Gatineau Park.

Fittingly, the announcement occurred outside Chelsea’s Gatineau Park Visitors’ Centre.

Flanked by Quebec- and Ontario-based Liberal MPs, both Senator Galvez and MP Chatel announced the submission of this new Bill to media, members of the public, and representatives of organization such as CPAWS-OV (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Ottawa Valley), CREDDO (Conseil Régional de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable de l’Outaouais), and Action Chelsea for the Respect of the Environment (ACRE).

After Banff National Park, Gatineau Park is Canada’s second most-visited Canadian park, annually receiving 2.6 million visitors. It generates $184 million in economic activity and supports nearly 5,000 jobs.

MP Chatel noted, “Gatineau Park is one of the great natural treasures of the Outaouais... at the heart of our regional identity. This Bill is about protecting that legacy. It is time to act, so future generations can continue to enjoy it and help protect the biodiversity it sustains.”

MP Chatel explained this Bill includes two main changes to her and Senator Galvez’s previously introduced Bill.

Bill S-229 removes the provision granting the NCC the authority to negotiate rights of first refusal with private landowners, saying the NCC already holds this right. Secondly, it updates the language related to usage fees to ensure access to Gatineau Park remains affordable for all.

Jean-Guy Whiteduck, Chief of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Band Council explained: “This Bill is not limited to preserving the ecological integrity of the precious Gatineau Park; it also honours our connection with the earth ... It reflects our collective responsibility to preserve this unique environment for ourselves and future generations.”

MP Chatel’s press release notes, “Only 7.6% of the Outaouais region and less than 9% of the Ottawa River watershed are currently protected. The protection of Gatineau Park is essential for Canada to meet its goal of protecting 30% of lands by 2030, as outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.”

John McDonnell is Executive Director of CPAWS-OV, which has actively defended Gatineau Park protection. “CPAWS-OV was founded in 1969 when secret plans by the National Capital Commision to develop hotels, condos and other developments in Gatineau Park were discovered. Ever since, CPAWS-OV has defended Gatineau Park, having had considerable success in influencing Park plans and development.”

Does Bill S-229 go far enough to protect the Park?

Says McDonnell, “For now, I would like to thank Senator Galvez and MP Chatel for their leadership. This is a pragmatic bill. We acknowledge it provides both for existing and new infrastructure, should it be required by Indigenous, municipal, provincial or federal governments. CPAWS-OV hopes to see a provision in the Bill requiring the compensation for lands lost to development so there’s no net loss in park lands.”

Monique Boivin, President of CPAWS-OV added, “We have never been closer to achieving our goal (of Park protection). I am very hopeful that this is going to happen. Senator Galvez and MP Sophie Chatel are strong voices for this proposed Bill. Their support has helped get this issue in the media, to the public and to MPs.”