Following the drowning of a person in the Gatineau River at the Gendron Bridge in Wakefield (Covered Bridge) during the summer of 2021, the coroner recommended that the Municipality of La Pêche ban swimming at this location.  

🚫 Therefore, following discussions and analysis of the situation, Council adopted a regulation prohibiting swimming at the Wakefield Covered Bridge at its June 6 meeting. Consequently, swimming is banned in the zone located between 50 m downstream and 25 m upstream from the bridge.  

❗ Anyone found in the prohibited zone, immersed in the water of the Gatineau River, is presumed to be swimming and can receive a $500 fine.  

However, it is important to note that water activities, such as paddle boarding, rafting, tubing, etc., are not prohibited since they are subject to federal Regulations. Recall that jumping from the covered bridge was already prohibited in By-law 22 RM 04. The fine for this infraction is $350. 

Link to by-law (French version)