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
Harrington Park (homestead) of the "Harrington Park" estate. The Court ruled that the remnant parts of the estate be divided between Alexander and John Campbell. The remaining portion (with the homestead on it) was sold at auction to the highest bidder, Sydney leather dealer James Rofe for ₤1,775, together with the under lease. The enforced sale ended the Campbell's interest in "Harrington Park". It appears that Rofe's interest was purely speculative for he sold the diminished Harrington Park to Abraham Davy in 1853. When Abraham Davy purchased "Harrington Park" in 1853, the property still had a significant amount of open forest and bushland.