Service de sûreté (Plains of Abraham) – Québec City, QC

Service de sûreté – Commission des champs de bataille nationaux

Guardians of the Plains of Abraham

The Service de sûreté is the dedicated security and law enforcement unit for the National Battlefields Commission, a federal agency responsible for the preservation and administration of the historic Plains of Abraham (Battlefields Park). Located at 1230 Avenue Wolfe-Montcalm, near the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, this service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The officers here are sworn peace officers with the authority to enforce federal legislation, including the Government Property Traffic Regulations, as well as specific park bylaws. Their primary mission is to ensure the safety of the millions of visitors who frequent this massive urban park and to protect the site’s historical and natural heritage.

Patrol and Emergency Response

The unit provides a constant presence across the park’s 108 hectares. Duties include patrolling the grounds by vehicle, bicycle, and on foot to prevent vandalism, manage traffic, and assist visitors in distress. The Service de sûreté serves as the first responder for any incidents occurring within the park boundaries, ranging from medical emergencies to public disorder. They coordinate closely with the Quebec City Police (SPVQ) for major interventions. The station at Avenue Wolfe-Montcalm also acts as a dispatch center and a point of contact for lost and found items within the park. During major events like the Festival d’été de Québec or the Winter Carnival, their role expands to include crowd control and logistical security support.

Federal Jurisdiction

As a federal entity, the National Battlefields Commission operates independently of the municipal administration, although cooperation is frequent. The security service focuses on prevention and education, ensuring that park rules-such as those regarding dogs, alcohol consumption, and preservation of monuments-are respected. The office is accessible to the public for inquiries regarding park usage permits or to report suspicious activity. Given the prestigious nature of the site, the officers adhere to a strict code of conduct and professional standards fitting for one of Canada’s most significant historical landmarks.