Grosse Île added to national historic sites

Summary#

This notice proposes the Order Amending the National Historic Sites of Canada Order to add Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site of Canada to the list of sites covered by certain federal park protections. If adopted, it would give Parks Canada access to parts of the Canada National Parks Act that relate to protecting plants, animals and site safety. The Canada Gazette published the proposal on March 7, 2026 and asks for comments within 30 days.

What it does#

• Adds Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site of Canada to the schedule of the National Historic Sites of Canada Order.
• Brings certain protections and powers from the Canada National Parks Act into effect for that site, especially rules about the protection of flora and fauna.
• Enables Parks Canada to use federal tools for conservation and wildlife management on the island.
• The proposal notes provincial rules currently restrict the use of firearms on the island. The Quebec ministry involved has said it plans to recommend removing the provincial prohibition on hunting so population-control measures could proceed. Parks Canada says it will set site-specific firearm rules before any provincial change takes effect.
• This is a proposed order (not yet final). The government invited public comments for 30 days after publication.

Who's affected#

• Parks Canada staff and visitors to Grosse Île — the proposal aims to reduce safety risks at the airstrip and roads.
• Pilots and the small companies or services that fly staff and supplies to the island, because the airstrip is the only winter access.
• The Quebec Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, because provincial hunting rules and permits are part of how deer control could happen.
• Local police such as the Sûreté du Québec, which currently has responsibility for law enforcement on the islands.
• Indigenous groups contacted about the plan, including the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk, Huron-Wendat, Innu and Abenaki (Waban-Aki) Nations.
• Wildlife and plants on the island, including the overabundant white-tailed deer and several species at risk. Small businesses are not expected to be affected, according to the proposal.

Why it matters#

• The island has a high concentration of white-tailed deer that is damaging rare plants and creating safety risks around the airstrip. Parks Canada counted about 49.5 white-tailed deer per km² (an abundance index of 89 to 95 individuals) in spring 2023, while the island’s theoretical carrying capacity was estimated at 8 white-tailed deer.
• Deer often congregate near the runway. The proposal notes more than 1,000 observations of deer around the airstrip since June 2023, including incidents that compromised aircraft operations. Safer, more permanent management tools could reduce the need for repeated scaring measures.
• From a conservation point of view, lowering deer pressure is meant to help rare plants and species at risk on the island (the site hosts vulnerable flora and the Butternut tree).
• The change would not itself set a specific deer-control method. It would create the federal legal framework for Parks Canada and the province to implement and coordinate measures, which could include hunting or other population controls if and when the necessary provincial rule changes and site rules are in place.