Gatineau Park includes various forms of human exploitation such as farming, logging, hunting, and industrial activity. The idea of creating a park in the Gatineau Hills for recreational purposes was proposed as early as 1903. In 1938 money was allotted for the acquisition of Gatineau woodlands (for preservation) and the construction of a parkway. The Government of Canada maintains a conference centre at Meech Lake, known as Willson House, the site of meetings leading to a failed attempt to reform Canada's Constitution in 1987, the Meech Lake Accord. There are significant ongoing controversies about the administration of the park, including its status
Orielton, Harrington Park knighted, "Orielton's" windows were boarded up and some parts of the estate were used for goat farming. Realignment of The Northern Road to the east in the 1970s including a new bridge over Narellan Creek east of the previous one, led to the cutting off of "Orielton's" (south-eastern-running) main drive (towards Narellan Creek). A new extension was added, making the drive a "V" shape and joining the Northern road further north, roughly in line but to the east of the main homestead and farm management complex. The subdivision of "Harrington Park" in the 1990s for urban development has visually encroached