Questioned by Le Journal, neither the Sûreté du Québec nor the Quebec Police Service nor the Ministère des Transports were able to say whether the young Quebec stuntman, Shawn Gourrand, was liable to a fine or a contravention , even if he films and publishes his exploits on social networks.

“If it hinders traffic by obstructing it with objects for example or by its presence, yes, it is punishable by a contravention,” said Claude Doiron, spokesperson for the Sûreté du Québec, who reports to safety on Quebec bridges.

The sergeant also raised the possibility of the reckless climber being accused of mischief. But according to criminal lawyer Kevin Morasse, specializing in breach of the Highway Safety Code, it should be proven that the stuntman damages the bridge, blocks traffic or prevents the use of the bridge in any way.

The latter, however, advises those who would be tempted to imitate him. “I do not break anything, I do not touch anything and I do not hinder traffic. I do not want to disturb anyone and make people arrive late to work,” he says.

On his YouTube and Instagram accounts, he has also published videos that include climbing the roof of the church of Saint-Roch and a crane on a construction site in Beauport. Most of the time, the young man runs out of sight, either at night or at dawn, hooded and dressed in black.

According to the Quebec police, if a citizen sees the climber and complains, a police trip could lead to charges of public mischief. “The individual could also be exposed to a charge for night intrusion if it is on private property or a loitering ticket. This is case by case,” says spokeswoman Cyndi Paré.

“But, we will certainly intervene [if a citizen reports the presence of the climber], because the individual puts his safety at stake,” continues Ms. Paré, pointing out that these types of escalations are “not recommended. ”

The Department of Transport and Canadian National also added that they could prosecute individuals who engage in such maneuvers without permission.

Remember that in May 2018, a French couple had been convicted of offenses for taking a selfie at the top of the Quebec Bridge.

In this case, a major police deployment was carried out, and the traffic was disrupted for nearly 30 minutes.