Copper Redhorse Critical Habitat Order

Summary#

The government made the Critical Habitat of the Copper Redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi) Order under the Species at Risk Act. The order took effect on May 6, 2021 (published in the Canada Gazette on May 26, 2021) and turns on the legal prohibition against destroying the fish’s identified critical habitat outside the Îles de Contrecœur National Wildlife Area.

What it does#

• Applies the SARA prohibition against destroying any part of the Copper Redhorse’s critical habitat that is identified in the species’ Recovery Strategy, except for the portion already inside the Îles de Contrecœur National Wildlife Area.
• Covers habitat types named in the Recovery Strategy: shallow grass beds in the St. Lawrence River, the littoral (nearshore 0–4 m) zone of the Richelieu River, and rapids below the Saint-Ours and Chambly dams where spawning has been found.
• Requires anyone planning work that could destroy that habitat to get a permit under SARA or an authorization under the Fisheries Act (the permitting process is the same in practice).
• Leaves existing protections (for example under the Fisheries Act) in place and adds a clear legal tool to prosecute unauthorized destruction.
• Lists penalties for offences, including fines up to $300,000 (summary) or $1,000,000 (indictable) for corporations, and fines up to $50,000 or $250,000 and possible imprisonment for individuals, depending on the charge.

Who's affected#

• Developers and port operators working in the St. Lawrence and Richelieu rivers, notably the Montreal Port Authority (the proposed container port project is inside the protected area and is already under review).
• Contractors and companies involved in dredging, construction, marinas, bridges, or other work near shorelines and rapids.
• Local governments (for example, concerns were raised by the City of Longueuil about potential delays/costs for public works).
• Operators of waterways and infrastructure managed by Parks Canada Agency, including the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site of Canada and the Vianney-Legendre fish ladder.
• Recreational boaters, marinas, fishers, and environmental groups active in the area.
• Indigenous communities near the river (for example, Odanak and Kahnawake) were consulted; the government says no concerns were raised about the Order itself.

If an activity might harm the habitat, the proponent should check with Fisheries and Oceans Canada or Parks Canada Agency about permits or authorizations.

Why it matters#

• The Copper Redhorse is an endangered fish found only in parts of southwestern Quebec. Protecting its critical habitat helps prevent extinction and supports recovery.
• The Order makes it clearer that damaging these specific river areas can lead to prosecution. That can change how projects near the rivers are planned, approved, and carried out.
• For people and businesses planning construction, dredging, or navigation projects in the affected areas, the Order means they may need to include habitat protection measures, offsetting plans, or obtain permits before proceeding.
• The action supports ongoing conservation work (for example at the Vianney-Legendre fish ladder) and aims to improve survival and spawning conditions for the species.