September 28, 2021
Major transaction: More Anticosti for all Quebecers
Quebec City — The Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq) is proud to announce that it will soon be acquiring high-quality infrastructure and exclusive outfitting rights for nearly 1,500 additional km2 of Anticosti Island. The protection, accessibility, and sustainable development of a larger segment of this national treasure will thus be ensured by Quebec for generations to come.
As of December 5, 2021, Sépaq Anticosti will assume the operation of six new sectors on Anticosti Island, including 2 lodges, 15 cabins, and various elements of infrastructure belonging to the Safari Anticosti outfitter, including a fleet of vehicles. This renowned outfitter will continue its operations and will retain ownership of the Saumon and Relais sectors in the northeast of the island where it will continue to welcome customers.
Quebec ownership and broader access
This acquisition by the Quebec government through Sépaq protects the vocation and promotes the accessibility of the territory for the future. At the same time, it rules out the possibility of foreign interests taking possession of these assets.
By 2022, a harmonized offer of hunting packages and Sépaq Anticosti's operating model will apply to the entire territory. The transaction will increase the possibilities for stays and hunting packages of all types on this section of the island. The potential for the development of fishing packages will also be analyzed.
Everything will be done to ensure a smooth transition. A long-term lease will allow for the arrival of Sépaq customers and employees at Rivière-aux-Saumons airport, thus facilitating access to the targeted sectors. Safari Anticosti employees and customers affected by the transaction will be able to join the larger Sépaq family if they wish. Sépaq will continue to play its role as a committed community partner by promoting local employment and purchases at local businesses for all its activities on the island.
The transaction with Safari Anticosti, made possible by the Quebec government, will be carried out for a total of $26.1 million. An additional $7.3 million has been set aside for Sépaq for future development, upgrades, and energy transition projects on Anticosti Island.
Quotes
"The Quebec government has seized this historic opportunity to guarantee access to and protect a larger part of the unique jewel that is Anticosti Island. The transaction will allow Sépaq to offer greater access to the splendours of this national treasure through its various packages. It will be a new way for Quebecers to experience the exhilarating adventure of a trip to Anticosti.”
Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, Pierre Dufour
"Anticosti Island abounds in natural riches that make it an international tourist destination. Its power of attraction is well established. The brand-new Auberge Port-Menier inn, which was expanded with funding from the Quebec government, was fully booked last summer. It is entirely possible to discover this incomparable environment, while respecting its soul, its unique character, and the authentic lifestyle of its inhabitants.”
Minister of Tourism, Caroline Proulx
"Sépaq's commitment to continue to promote jobs and local commerce in its operations will benefit the entire regional economy. Anticosti Island is one of the jewels of the Côte-Nord region. We are proud of its beauty and history as well as the strength and vitality of its communities. With this acquisition, our government will enable even more Quebecers to discover this jewel of our heritage.”
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region, Jonatan Julien
"I would like to salute the collaboration and commitment of Safari Anticosti's owner, Marcel Dutil, and his family, great entrepreneurs and Anticosti enthusiasts, in ensuring that the management of this territory remains in the hands of Quebecers. Sépaq is acquiring excellent and well-maintained infrastructure. We will continue to live up to our responsibility to develop and preserve the "Pearl of the St. Lawrence.”
CEO of Sépaq, Jacques Caron
“Safari Anticosti will continue its operations in some of the most beautiful areas of the island. We are opening a new chapter in the history of our outfitter with the certainty that our customers and employees who wish to continue with Sépaq will be treated with consideration and great care, and that this national treasure, Anticosti Island, remains a source of pride for all Quebecers.”
Owner of Safari Anticosti, Marcel Dutil
Highlights
- Sépaq obtains exclusive hunting, fishing, and trapping rights on an additional 1488 km2 of Anticosti Island as of December 5, 2021. Sépaq Anticosti's territory will then cover 5600 km2.
- Acquisition of 2 lodges and 15 cabins with a total of 51 rooms, as well as various elements of infrastructure.
- Six new hunting sectors will eventually be exploited according to Sépaq Anticosti's calendar and packages: Chaloupe, Rivière-Bell, Aquila, Dauphiné (north and south), Box, and Lac-Renard sectors.
- Current Safari Anticosti employees affected by the transaction who wish to do so will be offered the opportunity to join the Sépaq family.
- The 2021 stays of Safari Anticosti customers will be honoured according to the conditions agreed upon at the time of their booking.
Check out the details of our new sectors on our website.