The Quebec Outdoor Network announced on Sunday, August 30, 2026, that it is urging the provincial government to overhaul existing legislation that subjects owners of private land used for public outdoor trails to civil liability. The organization’s appeal targets a reduction in the legal risk faced by landowners who allow hikers, cyclists and other recreational users to cross their property.
Under current Quebec regulations, private landowners can be held financially responsible for injuries or damages that occur on trails crossing their property, even when the owners have taken reasonable safety measures. This legal exposure has been identified as a barrier that discourages landowners from permitting trail access, limiting the expansion of outdoor recreation networks across the province.
The Quebec Outdoor Network’s proposal calls for a statutory amendment that would clearly delineate the responsibilities of landowners and trail users, thereby shielding owners from civil lawsuits stemming from accidents on privately hosted trails. The group argues that such a change would encourage more property owners to open their land for public use, enhancing the province’s outdoor tourism and community health benefits.
By seeking to limit the risk of civil litigation, the network aims to create a more predictable legal environment for private landowners while maintaining safety standards for trail users. The organization stresses that the reform would not diminish accountability for negligence but would instead balance the interests of landowners with the public’s desire for accessible outdoor spaces. The call for legislative change comes as part of a broader discussion on how Quebec can support sustainable recreation without imposing undue legal burdens on private citizens.