There will reportedly be no colorful ice fishing shacks near Sagney this year, as mild winter weather forced officials to cancel the popular tradition for the first time. The municipality of the town, about 200 kilometers north of Quebec City, announced last week that the ice is too thick to open the fishing villages of Anse-à-Benjamin and Grand-Bay, which are usually home to hundreds of cottages and cabins popular with tourists and locals. are not enough

Rimey Aubin, head of a local fishing group, said the news was shocking and disappointing for the people of the area. "Ice fishing for the people of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean is not only recreational and economic, but part of the culture of the people here," he said.

In addition to the economic impact on hotels, restaurants and tourism companies, fishing is a popular activity that has been passed down from generation to generation and is a large part of people's lives.

Canceling this tradition has upset people and has led to heated debates.

Those who paid to reserve a spot on the ice will be refunded.

Francis Girard, vice-president of the Quebec Sports Fishing Association, said the news "reflects the climate changes we've seen in recent years."

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