Residents of Îles-de-la-Madeleine express worry over new visitor fee introduced

The picturesque Îles-de-la-Madeleine in Quebec will soon be implementing a $30 visitor fee for tourists staying on the islands for more than 24 hours between May 1 and Oct. 14. This fee is aimed at raising funds for tourist infrastructure, environmental protection, and waste management. Mayor Antonin Valiquette defends the fee, stating that the influx of tourists is burdening local services and straining municipal revenue.

However, not everyone is in favor of this new fee. Local hotel owner Chanie Thériault expressed concerns about mainland Quebecers being charged for using public resources financed by their taxes. She believes this fee infringes on the freedom of movement for Quebecers and Canadians.

Despite the opposition, Mayor Valiquette compares the visitor fee to tolls on bridges, emphasizing the need to contribute to the preservation of the islands’ beauty and infrastructure. The fee will be payable through an online platform and validated upon departure by ferry or plane.

This initiative is not the first of its kind in Quebec, as other towns have attempted to pass infrastructure costs onto tourists. While some worry about the implications and potential spread of this model to other municipalities, others believe it strikes a balance between supporting tourism and preserving local resources. The impact of this fee on tourism remains to be seen, but for now, the Îles-de-la-Madeleine are moving forward with their plan to implement the visitor fee.