Réseau plein air Québec, the province’s outdoor network, announced on Sunday, August 30, 2026, that it is calling for a comprehensive overhaul of civil liability rules that apply to outdoor trails situated on private land. The organization’s proposal seeks to amend provincial legislation governing public‑access pathways that cross privately owned property, with the aim of lessening the threat of civil lawsuits faced by landowners.
The group argues that the existing legal framework places an undue burden on private landowners who allow the public to use trails on their property. Under current rules, owners can be held financially responsible for injuries or damages that occur on these paths, even when they have taken reasonable precautions. Réseau plein air Québec maintains that this risk discourages landowners from permitting public access, thereby limiting the development and maintenance of outdoor recreation routes across the province.
By urging the Quebec government to revise the civil liability statutes, the network hopes to create a more balanced approach that protects both public users and private landholders. The proposed changes would clarify the responsibilities of landowners and potentially introduce safeguards that reduce the likelihood of costly legal actions. If adopted, the reform could encourage greater collaboration between the public and private sectors in expanding the province’s trail network, while providing landowners with clearer legal protection when they open their land to hikers, cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts.