Lazy Bear Expeditions, a Churchill-based ecotourism business, has lost its legal appeal to retain two tundra vehicle permits for polar bear viewing in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. The Manitoba Court of Appeal upheld an earlier decision to deny the company permits for the 2025–26 season, citing environmental concerns and legal precedent.
The Wildlife Branch of Manitoba’s government had informed owner Wally Daudrich in February that his permits would not be renewed due to declining polar bear populations on the western Hudson Bay, as indicated by a 2021 aerial survey. This move reduced the number of tundra vehicles allowed in the area from 20 to 18—the level it was before Lazy Bear received special allocations in 2020.
Daudrich, a former Progressive Conservative leadership candidate, had challenged the decision, claiming it was unreasonable and made in bad faith. He sought a court order to reinstate the permits, but his request for an injunction was rejected in April. The appeal court later affirmed that the province was under no obligation to renew an expired permit, emphasizing that Lazy Bear was effectively asking the court to force the minister to act.
The court also clarified that while the Wildlife Branch initially said it was “rescinding” the permits, it had actually meant not to issue new ones for the upcoming season. It further ruled that Daudrich had not demonstrated irreparable harm resulting from the loss of the permits.
The Manitoba government declined to comment further, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
Swifteradio.com
