The Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq) manages and operates Quebec’s network of national parks, wildlife reserves, and recreational facilities to promote public access to natural environments while ensuring sustainable resource management. Its core mission centers on deliverin...
The Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq) manages and operates Quebec’s network of national parks, wildlife reserves, and recreational facilities to promote public access to natural environments while ensuring sustainable resource management. Its core mission centers on delivering immersive outdoor experiences through infrastructure maintenance, visitor services, and ecological stewardship. Strategic priorities include enhancing visitor safety and accessibility, modernizing aging facilities, and supporting guided outdoor activities such as via ferrata and interpretive programs. Key initiatives focus on energy-efficient infrastructure upgrades, digital service modernization, and supply chain resilience for remote operational sites.
Sépaq procures a diverse range of goods and services to sustain its remote and seasonal operations, with recurring needs in recreational equipment, facility maintenance, and specialized logistical support. Contracts are typically issued as open solicitations without set-asides, reflecting a procurement approach centered on operational necessity rather than socioeconomic targeting. The agency relies heavily on direct procurement for mission-critical supplies, including propane for heating, electrical components for infrastructure, and camper units for accommodation.
Primary procurement activity aligns with NAICS codes related to outdoor recreation services (713990), computing infrastructure (518210), and facility construction materials (321911, 423610). Sépaq consistently seeks vendors capable of delivering specialized services such as legacy system support (PowerHouse 4GL, OpenVMS), cloud-based security solutions (CloudFlare Enterprise), and bulk commodity supply (propane, food-grade salt). Vendor relationships are transactional and performance-driven, with emphasis on reliability, technical specificity, and geographic reach to serve dispersed locations across Quebec.
Sépaq operates under the Government of Quebec as a Crown corporation managing over 20 parks and reserves across the province. Though listed under Government of Canada in error, its authority and funding derive from provincial jurisdiction. The agency utilizes standard public procurement frameworks for competitive bidding and direct contracting, prioritizing operational continuity over procurement diversity initiatives. Its structure reflects a decentralized model, with procurement decisions often made at the site or regional level to accommodate unique environmental and logistical demands.
