Réseau plein air Québec announced on August 30, 2026 that it is seeking a change to Quebec's civil liability legislation as it relates to outdoor trails located on private property. The organization says the current legal framework creates a risk of civil lawsuits for landowners who permit public use of their trails, and that this risk discourages owners from opening their land to recreational users.
The network's proposal calls for an overhaul of the civil liability rules that apply when members of the public access trails on privately owned land. Under the existing system, private landowners can be held responsible for injuries or damages that occur on the trail, even when the landowner has taken reasonable safety measures. Réseau plein air Québec argues that this exposure to legal action deters many landowners from granting public access, limiting the growth of outdoor recreation infrastructure in the province.
The call for reform follows ongoing concerns expressed by various outdoor trail groups across Quebec. These groups have reported that the liability environment has become a barrier to expanding trail networks, as private owners are hesitant to assume the potential legal and financial consequences of hosting public users. By reducing the likelihood of civil suits, the network says it hopes to encourage more landowners to participate in the development and maintenance of public trails.
The proposed changes would align Quebec's approach with practices in other jurisdictions where liability protections are offered to private landowners who provide public access for recreational purposes. Réseau plein air Québec plans to present its recommendations to provincial policymakers and to engage with stakeholders throughout the legislative process. The organization emphasizes that protecting landowners from undue legal exposure is essential for the continued expansion of Quebec's outdoor trail system.
If adopted, the reform could lead to an increase in the number of privately owned trails open to the public, potentially enhancing recreational opportunities while maintaining a framework for responsible landowner participation.