Passes for expropriated families

The Admission Pass for Expropriated Families, introduced in 2011, is a special program to provide property owners, expropriated during the establishment of Kouchibouguac National Park, and their descendants with a means of returning to places tied to their personal histories.

Parks Canada is extending the Admission Pass for Expropriated Families at Kouchibouguac to a fourth, fifth and sixth generations. This is an important step in rebuilding relationships with local communities and helping affected families preserve memories and stories related to these places. The original Admission Pass for Expropriated Families provided free admission to visit places of personal and family significance for three generations of families displaced in the creation of Kouchibouguac National Park. To date, over 6,500 passes have been issued by Kouchibouguac National Park to former residents, property owners, their children and their grandchildren.

Parks Canada recognizes that many families were greatly affected by expropriation when national parks and national historic sites were established in the past. Parks Canada ceased the practice of expropriation in the 1970’s, but past events remain an important part of the history of local communities and Parks Canada. The Admission Pass for Expropriated Families is one of the ways that Parks Canada wishes to commemorate families affected by expropriation.

To learn more about the program, please see the frequently asked questions below or contact Kouchibouguac National Park at kouchibouguac@pc.gc.ca.

Frequently asked questions

• What is an expropriation pass and how do I apply for one?

  The Admission Pass for Expropriated Families program provides families displaced in the creation of national parks and national historic sites with free admission to visit places of personal and family significance. The original Admission Pass for Expropriated Families provided free admission for three generations of families displaced in the creation of Kouchibouguac National Park.

  As another step in rebuilding relationships with local communities and helping affected families preserve memories and stories related to these places, Parks Canada is expanding the Admission Pass for Expropriated Families at Kouchibouguac to a fourth, fifth and sixth generation. The Admission Pass for Expropriated Families is one of the ways that Parks Canada wishes to commemorate families affected by expropriation.

  Those eligible for an expropriation pass include the owners of a permanent residence and/or land that was/were expropriated during the creation of Kouchibouguac National Park and their descendants.

  Current holders of the Admission Pass for Expropriated Families will be able to present their old pass to be renewed once park operations resume. New applicants can complete an online Application Form. Once completed, forms can be returned to the park either by mail or email for processing. When applicants come to the park to pick up their pass they will be asked to provide a copy of their birth (or baptismal) certificate as a proof of identity.

  Additional proof of identity or of land ownership may be required. Applications will only be processed once park operations resume.

• Who is eligible? What is covered by the expropriation pass?

  Those eligible for the Admission Pass for Expropriated Families include the owners of a permanent residence and/or land that was/were expropriated during the creation of Kouchibouguac National Park, their children, grandchildren, and now three additional generations (fourth, fifth and sixth).

  The Admission Pass for Expropriated Families applies to the national park or national historic site where the property was expropriated, Kouchibouguac National Park, and exempts its holder and their family from paying entry fees. The exemption does not apply to any other fees such as camping, backcountry use, heritage presentation fees, etc.

• Are there any changes to the program? Is there still a spousal/partner pass?

  The Admission Pass for Expropriated Families, which was initially available for three generations of families whose property and/or lands were expropriated for the creation of Kouchibouguac National Park, has been extended to six generations. Please note that the original property owners identified in land transfer agreements are considered first generation.

  Parks Canada is streamlining the application and renewal processes at Kouchibouguac National Park by replacing the Spousal Pass with a new Family/Group pass that will be distributed to the eligible applicant.

  This Family/Group pass will be issued to original property/land owners, or their descendants, and will grant free admission to that person and those in the same vehicle, up to a maximum of seven people. All Parks Canada’s places, including Kouchibouguac National Park, offer free admission for youth 17 and under.

  Does this mean spouses/partners will always need to be accompanied by the descendant when visiting the park?

  The Family/Group pass will be issued to original property/land owners, and their descendants, and will grant free admission to that person and those in the same vehicle, up to a maximum of seven people. The spouse/partner may use the pass with or without the pass holder present. In addition, a duplicate pass can be issued upon request if there is more than one family vehicle.

  For children of the pass holder, Kouchibouguac National Park, like all Parks Canada places, offers free admission for youth 17 and under. Because these children are descendants, once they turn 18 years of age, Parks Canada would encourage them to complete their own application so they have the option to access the park independently from their parent.

• I already have an expropriation pass but I understand it’s expiring in May, 2020. How do I get a new one?

  Current holders of the Admission Pass for Expropriated Families may notice that their pass has an expiry date of May 2020. The pass will be honoured, regardless of the date, up until it is exchanged. Passes can be renewed at Kouchibouguac National Park. This will only be possible once park operations resume.

• How can I find out if my family was expropriated?

  Parks Canada recognizes that many families were greatly affected by expropriation when national parks and national historic sites were established in the past.

  Expropriations happened at Kouchibouguac National Park from 1969-1972. If your research into your family history indicates your family resided or owned land in this area during that time period, then complete the application form and provide the necessary family information. If you can provide information that supports you are a family member of someone who owned land in this area that is now Kouchibouguac National Park during that time, you may be eligible to receive an Admission Pass for Expropriated Families.

Pass application

Download and fill the following application to apply for the Admission Pass for Expropriated Families:
2025-kouchibouguac-pass-application-EN (PDF - 1.54 MB)