Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Protected Area Noire & Coulonge Rivers

Do you have a question that is not listed below? Feel free to ask it via the form at the bottom of the page.

1 - Is there a difference between setting aside a territory for a protected area and creating a protected area?

Answer: The purpose of setting aside a territory is to rapidly protect a sector from major natural resource exploitation activities, while awaiting the completion of all the steps leading to the granting of permanent protected status (in our case, biodiversity reserve status). That said, as soon as the territory is set aside, it is entered on the Register of Protected Areas and is therefore officially recognized as a protected area.

2 - Are the boundaries of the protected area final at the time of announcement?

Answer: No, the boundaries of the reserved territory are still flexible. The preliminary workshops and the harmonization table will help CPAWS-VO and CREDDO provide the government the Quebec government recommendations based on a consensus regarding the on the delimitation of the protected area in March 2024.

3 - Will leaseholders in the protected area retain their rights when the area is finally created?

Answer: Yes, leaseholders do indeed have acquired rights and will be able to continue to enjoy those rights.

4 - Will owners of land bordering the Noire or Coulonge rivers risk expropriation when the protected area is created?

Answer: No, first of all, the government's announcement concerns only the public land and not the private lots bordering the Noire and Coulonge rivers, so there's no risk of expropriation.

5 - Who will ensure that regulations are respected for this future protected area?

Answer: Several entities monitor compliance with regulations. For example, government departments must ensure that no new rights are issued that contradict existing prohibitions (e.g., new mining titles). For the MELCCFP, regional teams of inspectors are called upon to patrol territories periodically. They also visit sites when they receive a complaint.

6 - Does the word protected mean no snowmobiles, gasoline-powered boats, ATVs, pontoons, personal watercraft...?

Answer: No, these motorized activities will still be permitted. The status of the protected area in question is "biodiversity reserve". This status protects natural environments by prohibiting activities that could have a significant impact on ecosystems and biodiversity, particularly those of an industrial nature. It does, however, allow the continuation of recreational, wildlife or educational activities and the maintenance of existing activities and occupations that are not considered a threat to biodiversity (see Biodiversity Regime). biodiversity (see Regime for activities in biodiversity and aquatic reserves). Click on the visuals below and on the document here (in French).

7 - Will motorized vehicles (cars, SUVs, trucks, etc.) be allowed in the protected area?

Answer: Yes, motorized vehicles will be allowed to use existing roads in the protected area.

8 - What are the next steps to make our opinions heard?

Answer: Workshops will be organized in the coming months. During these workshops, you will be able to express your opinions freely and constructively, so that they can be taken into account when making recommendations. To make sure you don't miss the announcement of the dates of these meetings, subscribe to our networks or fill in the form bellow.