I found it to be a bit of a pain also. They seem particularly concerned about the snowmobile being owned by the person whose name the permit will be in. I suppose this has to do with the insurance piece of it. At the end of the day, it is a trail pass, not adopting a child.
That is sad news. Definitely a regular stop when sledding the Gaspesie. Hopefully someone will take it over. It takes a certian type of person to own and operate a business in a bit of a remote area. I don't believe it is plowed in to there during winter. I always stopped there and had a meal or a drink, it is important to support remote businesses if you want them to survive.
Ontario OFSC has had a similar video watch requirement when buying permits for the second year this time around. Off trail riding on private property is a big issue with costly effects for all riders. To bad the ones causing the issues don't pay attention.