From hidden trails and migratory birds to its deep Indigenous heritage, discover why Gatineau Park deserves to be enshrined in federal legislation—and how you can help ensure its legacy for generations to come.
Ottawa-Gatineau is a city of greenspaces — with Gatineau Park as the jewel in the crown so to speak. What’s your favourite way to enjoy nature when you are in this city?
I am a nemophilist – a person that is fond of forests and woods. I love spending time around forests, parks, rivers, streams, and shorelines where we can use all our senses: the smell of soil, the feeling of the breeze, the sound of birds and leaves, the movement of the wind. I particularly enjoy the presence of birds and I appreciate the seasonal cycle of migratory birds. These aspects of nature give me peace, calm my nerves, quiet my mind, and make me happy. Near Ottawa, I have access to all of this. Whether it’s taking a stroll by the Ottawa River behind Parliament Hill or the Rideau Canal, or in the many local parks, I feel at peace when I find myself in nature.
Do you have a secret (or not-so-secret) spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of Ottawa life?
Although I enjoy many natural spaces around Ottawa, I have come to truly appreciate walks in Hampton Park in the Westboro community. The park is right in the middle of a residential area making it quite accessible to local residents. There are a few walking trails through the woods and it offers a nice, peaceful area in the middle of an urban setting. I have recently brought my daughters and grandchildren there to enjoy the natural landscape and the kids particularly enjoyed the natural beauty of the park.
You’ve been a vocal proponent for more nature protection in Gatineau Park — why does the park need more protection?
Many people assume that Gatineau Park is officially a national park that benefits from the same protection as other parks in Canada such as the Jasper or Fundy National Parks. That is unfortunately not the case; it is the only federal park that is not part of the national parks system. The boundaries and management of the Gatineau Park have never been entrenched in federal legislation which makes it vulnerable to potential reduction of boundaries and further development.
On top of that, Gatineau Park is home to about 90 at-risk plant species and 60 at-risk animal species. With the concomitant crises of climate, biodiversity loss, and deforestation, it is essential more than ever to protect our natural ecosystems, especially one that is in such proximity to a major urban centre.
Many people outside Ottawa-Gatineau may not even realize all the park has to offer. Can you tell us about Gatineau Park’s unique natural and cultural heritage? (Include Indigenous heritage and current status)
For several thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans, the Gatineau Park area was home to Indigenous communities who lived and hunted on the land. The Park is located on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg people who have been stewards of the land long before the idea of a park was ever conceived. In fact, archaeologists have recovered a variety of artifacts that tell us the region was host to a vast trade network for more than 6,000 years. That is why we felt it was important to not only consult but obtain approval of the local Anishinabeg communities surrounding Gatineau Park.
The Park is also home to many sites of historical significance for Canada. The official residence at Harrington Lake, for example, serves as the country residence of the Prime Minister of Canada since the late 1950s. The Farm, another official residence in the Park, serves as the residence of the Speaker of the House of Commons – a former personal sanctuary of William Lyon Mackenzie King. You can also visit the 231-hectare Mackenzie King Estate, a magnificent property, owned by the former Prime Minister for close to 50 years, that will bring you back to the early 1900s. In the late 1980s, the Willson House – a former summer home and fertilizer plant – was host to the Meech Lake Constitutional Accord negotiations led by former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.
Ecologically, Gatineau Park also holds significant importance for the region. Part of the Canadian Shield, a rock mass that was formed over a billion years ago, the Park occupies an area of more than 361 square kilometres and contains more than 50 lakes, as well as a number of wetlands, streams and rivers. Five ecosystems and two habitats in the park are of great ecological importance. There are over 50 mammal species, about 10 species of reptiles, 15 species of amphibians, nearly 230 bird species, and thousands of invertebrates. We can also find approximately 1,000 plant species and 50 species of trees.
It is undeniable that Gatineau Park has significant historical, cultural, and ecological importance and it deserves to be protected for generations to come.
Scott Haldane – Lac Philippe, Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park was established almost 100 years ago – why is now the time to change its status?
The world has changed dramatically in the past 100 years but the need to protect our natural ecosystems has not. In 2022, the world adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and set clear targets for nature and biodiversity protection including protecting 30% of land and water.
In the Outaouais region, only 7.5% of the land and less than 9% of the Ottawa River watershed is actually protected. Yet, the region is home to a vast number of natural ecosystems that are at risk.
The protection of Gatineau Park is a low-hanging fruit in the fight to protect more land since it has been recognized as a park for almost 100 years. The initiative to protect the park also has widespread support from local communities and organizations as well as from a significant number of elected officials in the region.
What’s your hope for Gatineau Park’s 100th birthday in 2038?
After almost 100 years, it is long past due for Gatineau Park to be enshrined in federal legislation and to benefit from all the same legal protections as other national parks. I hope that by then we will have ensured the protection of its boundaries and perhaps even expanded its territory.
One of the main objectives of Bill S-289 is to ensure the ecological integrity of the Park. I hope that through this legislation, Gatineau Park can reverse its biodiversity loss trends and become a welcoming and thriving environment for the vast number of species that call the Park home.
Overall, I hope that the Park continues to be an integral part of the National Capital Region and continues to be a place for residents and tourists alike to enjoy recreational activities and much-needed time in nature.
What can local residents and nature lovers across Canada do to ensure that the park and its incredible natural and cultural history are safeguarded for future generations?
I think most residents and nature lovers would agree that we must protect this natural gem for our enjoyment and for future generations. With its close proximity to major urban centres, Gatineau Park is extremely accessible to city dwellers – a privilege we should not take for granted.
I would encourage local residents and nature lovers to contact their elected representatives at all levels and encourage them to support Bill S-289. Enshrining Gatineau Park in federal legislation is the first step toward better conservation and protection of the Park. This bill is not the first attempt at doing so; in fact, there have been 10 different bills that attempted to codify the limits of Gatineau Park since 2005 – none of which made it to the end of the legislative process. We need the support of Canadians to move this forward.
I would also encourage residents and visitors to continue taking advantage of the natural beauty found in Gatineau Park. It is important to educate ourselves on the proper use of the Park and to be respectful of the natural species that grow and live in the area. We do not want to lose the rich ecological habitats that provide clean air and water for the region. Please use the park with care and with pride!
Say “Yes!” to more nature in our backyards!
Tell the government to increase funding to the National Urban Parks Strategy to establish these parks and bring nature to every city in Canada!
We’ve prepared a letter you can send to the Ministers in charge which will help us show how much you care. Send it right now or take a minute to add your own story or message — it’ll make it even more impactful.
