Cap Tourmente NWA: Repeal Hunt and Fees

Summary#

These are proposed changes published on September 27, 2025 to the Wildlife Area Regulations and the Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations. They would remove the special fall hunt and the visitor entrance fees at Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area (Cap Tourmente NWA) and clean up related penalty rules. This is a proposal open for comment, not a final law.

What it does#

• Removes the controlled fall hunt program at Cap Tourmente NWA.
• Ends the requirement to pay entrance fees and the (currently unused) fees for naturalist services at the site.
• Extends the general rule that hunting, fishing or trapping is prohibited in the NWA except under a permit (so the whole NWA stays protected from casual hunting).
• Deletes references to the hunt and fee items from the Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations (so those specific penalties would no longer apply).

Who's affected#

• Hunters who used the Cap Tourmente hunt program would lose a local hunting opportunity.
• Visitors and tourists may benefit from free access and more chance to visit.
• Local parks and non-profit organizations that charge admission could see some visitor shifts.
• First Nations: four were consulted. One replied it wants to keep traditional access for its members to hunt at the site. The Department said it will continue talks.
• Department of the Environment staff and budgets, because revenue from fees would stop and the Department would cover those operating costs.

Why it matters#

• The Department says scientific monitoring (notably in 2021) shows the bulrush marsh the hunt was protecting is now stable. That is the main reason given for ending the hunt. The change aims to match management to current conservation needs.
• Removing fees would make access to Cap Tourmente consistent with the rest of the national wildlife areas and could increase visitors. Past fee waivers led to visitor increases of about 41% (2017) and 53% (2021).
• The proposal estimates visitors could save up to $310,000 a year (based on a $6 adult fee), with total visitor savings over 10 years of about $2.6–$2.7 million (the source gives both figures). The Department would absorb that revenue loss.
• There could be local effects: less hunting opportunity at this site, a small risk of more crowding or wildlife disturbance from extra visitors, and possible decreased attendance at nearby fee-charging parks.
• This is a proposed regulatory change. Decisions may still change after the public comment period and further discussions with Indigenous groups.