QUÉBEC, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ -- Québec City is continuing its efforts to protect its natural environments with the development of a new nature park on a 153-hectare area located north of the Notre-Dame-des-Laurentides neighbourhood. Thanks to a $760,207 investment from the Government of Canada through the Natural Infrastructure Fund, the City will bring the Parc naturel de la Sagamité project to fruition in 2027 to protect this exceptional site while allowing the public to explore it in a way that respects nature.
Acquired by Québec City in 2022 in collaboration with Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Parc naturel de la Sagamité is protected by a perpetual conservation easement. Since then, its management plan has been developed following several studies, public meetings, and engagement sessions conducted with various partners, including the Wendat Nation.
The site is home to Lake Sagamité, part of Lake Jaune, and a significant complex of wetlands and forested areas that help protect water quality in the Lake Saint-Charles watershed and preserve biodiversity.
The preliminary development concept calls for the restoration of degraded areas, as well as the installation of light infrastructure, such as marked trails, lookout points, and stream crossings. These improvements will allow the public to explore the site while ensuring the protection of its natural environments and promote an experience focused on immersion in nature, education, and contemplation.
Development work is expected to begin in the fall of 2027.
The City is also inviting the public to an information and discussion session during which the site management plan and development proposals will be presented. Details about this public engagement event are available at ville.quebec.qc.ca/consultations.
Quotes
"Our government recognizes the importance of investing in the enhancement of our natural environments, which directly contribute to the quality of life in our communities. The Parc naturel de la Sagamité will help preserve an important area, promote biodiversity, and provide residents with a space to connect with nature. It is by taking concrete action today that we are building healthier, more resilient, and forward-looking living environments."
Joël Lightbound, Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works, and Procurement, and Quebec Lieutenant, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
"We are fortunate to live in a city where exceptional natural areas are accessible within 20 minutes of downtown. Today, we are beginning the development of green spaces equivalent to more than 215 soccer fields, which will remain accessible to the public. This initiative is consistent with our recent designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Not only will biodiversity and water quality benefit from this, but so will the quality of life and health of our residents."
Marie-Josée Asselin, Director of Environment and Water on the Québec City's Executive Committee
"The Parc naturel de la Sagamité is a testament to an exemplary collaboration among numerous partners committed to the conservation and enhancement of an exceptional site. By allowing the public to discover this place while respecting its ecological richness, we are fostering an essential connection with natural environments that play an important role in preserving water quality. "
Mélanie Deslongchamps, Manager of Provincial Operations for Quebec at Ducks Unlimited Canada
Quick Facts
- The federal government is investing $760,207 in this project through the Natural Infrastructure Fund (NIF), and the Québec City is contributing $190,095.
- NIF supports projects that use natural or hybrid approaches to increase resilience to climate change, mitigate carbon emissions, protect and preserve biodiversity and wildlife habitats, and promote Canadians' access to nature. To date, over $88.9 million has been announced for over 54 infrastructure projects through NIF. Examples of natural infrastructure include urban forests, street trees, wetlands, living dikes, bioswales, and naturalized coastal restoration.
- Hybrid infrastructure incorporates elements of both engineered and natural infrastructure. Examples of hybrid infrastructure include green roofs and walls, and naturalized stormwater ponds.
- Over 10% of the overall program envelope has been allocated to Indigenous-led projects.
- The Government of Canada is taking concrete actions to strengthen the economy by investing in Canadians and supporting Canadian businesses.
- Federal actions are creating good jobs, accelerating home building and helping communities grow across the country.
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SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Piper McWilliams, Communications Advisor, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, 819-955-1813, [email protected]; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Cedrik Verreault, Press Secretary, Office of the Mayor, 581-745-1499, [email protected]; Citizen Relations and Communications Department, Québec City, 418-641-6210, [email protected]
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