Parks Canada Invests Nearly $1M to Support Ecological Connectivity in the Plaisance–Tremblant Region

Quebec City, July 29, 2025 — With nearly $1 million in funding from Parks Canada’s National Ecological Corridor Program, the Quebec team of Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), along with Éco-corridors laurentiens (ECL) and the Conseil régional de l’environnement et du développement durable de l’Outaouais (CREDDO), will help sustain vital ecological corridors in the Outaouais and Laurentians.

The project aims to connect essential wildlife habitats within the Plaisance–Tremblant connectivity area. This area is home to rich biodiversity, including many plant and animal species in vulnerable situations. Over 40 years ago, DUC recognized the ecological value of the Plaisance area by developing the Marais aux Rubaniers. This new initiative marks a return to the organization’s roots!

This sustainability project aligns directly with the Plaisance-Tremblant Connectivity Plan (French only), an initiative originally led by ECL, CREDDO, and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) as part of the Quebec Ecological Corridors Initiative (QECI). Since 2019, many additional partners have joined the effort.

In addition to DUC’s acquisition of at least 75 hectares of land for protection and conservation within the target area, the partners will develop a range of structural tools to strengthen connectivity in the region. These efforts will include establishing clear governance, developing a social marketing plan and building scientific knowledge (validation of ecological corridors, road ecology, and willingness-to-pay studies).

Collaboration will be central to the project at every stage. The connectivity zone will take shape through close work with citizens, landowners, businesses, municipalities and organizations, linking public and private lands and various natural areas using a variety of conservation strategies. Participation will be voluntary, allowing stakeholders to get involved in their own way, depending on the type of land in question (recreational properties, private lots, municipal forests or agricultural areas). Together, these efforts will help restore the critical connections wildlife need for feeding, breeding, resting and shelter.

Quotes

“Protecting biodiversity and fighting climate change takes more than isolated efforts: it requires a living network of protected and conserved areas that are deeply interconnected. At Parks Canada, we believe that by joining forces, we can build a more sustainable future. Thank you to all our partners who are passionately committed to maintaining ecological connectivity in the Plaisance–Tremblant corridor. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a natural legacy we can all be proud of.”
Ron Hallman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada

“Connectivity is a key element in conserving natural environments. Without ecological corridors, species are cut off from the habitats they rely on. To protect biodiversity, we can’t focus only on isolated sites; we need a broader perspective and coordinated action among all stakeholders in the area. That’s exactly what the Plaisance–Tremblant Connectivity Plan’s sustainability project is all about. We’re very proud to be working with ECL and CREDDO to achieve meaningful results.”
Mélanie Deslongchamps, Provincial Director of Operations, Quebec, Ducks Unlimited Canada

“This project marks a major step forward for the resilience of our landscapes. By consolidating the ecological connectivity of the natural environments along the Plaisance–Tremblant corridor, we are not only protecting habitats that are essential to biodiversity, but also promoting sustainable land use that respects communities and ecosystems. With the support of Parks Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada, this collaborative approach reflects our vision of an ecological and social network that connects natural environments and local stakeholders alike.”
Marie-Lyne Després-Einspenner, Executive Director, Éco-corridors laurentiens

“This initiative shows that by working together, organizations and diverse stakeholders can plan for ecosystem-scale ecological connectivity across administrative boundaries. In the context of the climate and biodiversity crises, a collaborative approach is more essential than ever. CREDDO is proud to collaborate with ECL and with DUC, with the support of Parks Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada, to advance its mission of collaboration beyond the Outaouais region.”
Raphaële Cadieux-Laflamme, Natural Environment Conservation Project Coordinator, CREDDO

Thank you to our financial partners

The Plaisance–Tremblant Connectivity Plan’s sustainability project was made possible thanks to nearly $1 million in funding secured by Ducks Unlimited Canada through Parks Canada’s National Ecological Corridor Program, which supports large-scale connectivity initiatives across the country.

The project also benefits from financial support through the Accelerating Conservation in Southern Quebec (ACSQ) initiative, for which the Nature Conservancy of Canada received funding from the Government of Quebec.

About Parks Canada’s National Ecological Corridor Program

Parks Canada manages the National Ecological Corridor Program, which promotes the creation of natural connections in key areas across the country. One of the program’s main goals is to support partner-led initiatives that maintain and restore ecological connectivity between protected and conserved areas and unprotected natural habitats.

To date, the program has supported 27 ecological corridor projects led by Indigenous communities, environmental non-governmental organizations, and provincial partners.

On November 22, 2024, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, and of Parks Canada, announced nearly $6 million in funding for nine ecological corridor projects across Canada, including a contribution of $977,943 to Ducks Unlimited Canada for the Plaisance–Tremblant Connectivity Plan’s sustainability project.

About the ACSQ project

The Accelerating Conservation in Southern Quebec (ACSQ) project is a co-funding agreement between the Government of Quebec and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) that benefits conservation organizations in Quebec. It aims to protect and conserve natural environments of ecological interest through, among other things, the acquisition of private land for protected and conserved areas and the establishment of ecological corridors. The ACSQ will thus promote the development and sound management of the network of protected areas on private land, as well as access to nature for the public. The Quebec government’s five-year investment in the ACSQ must be matched by the NCC and its partners using funds from sources other than the provincial government.

About Ducks Unlimited Canada

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the country’s largest land conservancy and a leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC uses sound science and partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations, Indigenous Peoples and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. To learn more about DUC’s innovative environmental solutions and services, visit www.ducks.ca.

About Éco-corridors laurentiens

Éco-corridors laurentiens (ECL) is a charitable organization committed to conserving natural environments and protecting ecological corridors in the Laurentians. Using a collaborative and inclusive approach, ECL brings together communities, institutions, and governments to create an interconnected network of natural habitats stretching from Oka National Park to Mont-Tremblant National Park. Drawing on its recognized expertise, the organization helps establish protected areas, promotes sustainable land-use planning, and supports regional partners in implementing practical solutions to strengthen biodiversity and climate resilience. For more information, visit ecocorridorslaurentiens.org.

About CREDDO

CREDDO is one of 17 regional environmental councils spread across Quebec. As such, it is the primary point of contact for the ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (Quebec’s Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks). Its main mandate is to ensure coordination among stakeholders in the Outaouais region on environmental issues. A non-profit organization active in the region since 1990, we now have nearly 100 members, including community groups, businesses, government entities, and individuals. Our projects provide solutions for waste management, climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and the development of a green economy.