The Future of Murdochville and Winter Recreation/Tourism in Gaspésie Threatened by Osisko Mining Project.

MURDOCHVILLE, September 16, 2026 – On the eve of a crucial public meeting between the municipality and residents to discuss the future of the town and the Osisko project, Chic-Chac is speaking out on behalf of Gaspésie’s winter recreation and tourism industry. The organization is sounding the alarm to political decision-makers, the Regroupement des MRC de la Gaspésie, and the regional community regarding the real risk of expropriation—and the resulting permanent loss of the recreational tourism economic model that drove Murdochville’s resilience.

A pioneer in this industry since 2006, Chic-Chac helped transform a struggling municipality into the "powder capital of Quebec," built around major activities such as skiing and snowmobiling, paving the way for other operators to follow. Today, irreplaceable land and tourism assets—including Mount Miller, Mount York, and Mount Porphyre—are at risk of becoming inaccessible. Yet these unique infrastructures are the core engine of winter tourism in Gaspésie, a season that has historically presented economic challenges for the region.

The impact of this ecosystem extends far beyond the recreational sector. The area's revitalization has sparked unprecedented growth in land values, real estate, and municipal tax revenue: local homes once valued under $5,000 now have an average market value of $150,000. This major increase, along with significant property value growth, provides the Town with essential revenues to maintain public services. The industry has also revitalized key buildings that had stopped generating tax revenues, such as the village church, which was converted into a community headquarters.

Furthermore, this appeal has helped attract and settle new families as well as essential professionals (including healthcare workers at the CLSC and teachers), thereby stabilizing front-line services. This exceptional contribution by the entire community was recently recognized with the 2026 Community Involvement Award of Excellence presented by the Quebec Ski Areas Association (ASSQ).

Through this press release, the entire recreational tourism sector asks to be recognized as an essential strategic partner. Murdochville’s future cannot be defined without taking into full account the social, human, and economic value of our industry, ensuring a fair future for the community and the long-term sustainability of four-season tourism throughout the region.

Source: Chic-Chac Inc.

Information: Guillaume Molaison - [email protected]