MONTREAL — Scouts Canada has announced the sale of the Tamaracouta Scout Reserve, a historic campsite located north of Montreal that has been in operation for more than 110 years. The organization confirmed on Thursday that it has accepted an offer from entrepreneur Eric Desroches, who is partnering with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the town of Mille-Isles, Quebec.

The new ownership plans to preserve over 80 percent of the land for conservation purposes while opening a portion to the public. Scouts Canada stated that the decision to sell followed "several years of thoughtful consideration, consultations, and exploration of alternative solutions."

The Tamaracouta Scout Reserve has been significant to the Scouting community, especially in Quebec. However, the organization cited rising operational costs, deferred maintenance, and safety and environmental challenges as reasons for the sale. The camp, which opened in 1912, closed in 2019 due to financial difficulties and the need for costly repairs. Scouts Canada described it as the oldest operating Scout camp in the world as of 2024.

Karine Peloffy, president of a citizens' group advocating for the site's preservation, emphasized its ecological importance. "It’s right in the middle of an eco-corridor that can allow wildlife to keep existing in a somewhat rapidly developing area," she said. Peloffy noted that the camp's closure marked the end of a significant chapter in its rich history.

Concerns have been raised about the potential for the property to be sold to developers, which could lead to environmental degradation. Since its closure, the site has been largely abandoned, with reports of decay, a fire that destroyed the main building, and a stolen totem pole. Peloffy expressed cautious optimism about the sale but seeks assurance that the new owner will maintain the land's integrity.

"Our organization hopes for continued public access, and most specifically maintaining access to children, because that was the destiny of the land for over a hundred years," she stated.

Desroches, the new buyer, has not commented publicly but is known for operating another camp, COCREA, which offers summer camp activities for adults.

Michael Reid, a former Scout leader who camped at Tamaracouta as a child, expressed disappointment that Scouts Canada did not seek partners to keep the camp operational. He believes that various groups were willing to assist but that the organization opted for a lucrative sale instead.

"They’ve lost sight of their mission, and the mission is about kids," Reid said. He highlighted the camp's role in teaching young people about the environment and citizenship.

Reid hopes the new owners will recognize the camp's historical significance and purpose. "My hope is that whoever owns it takes into account that there is a history there, and there’s a purpose there, and it’s something that should not go away," he added.

The transaction is expected to be finalized over the summer.