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 Lake property at Harrington Lake has been managed by the National Capital Commission. The property includes four recreational buildings; the land, which formerly consisted of cultivated fields, has reverted to secondary forest. In addition to the main cottage with its fine view over the lake, the Harrington estate includes the following structures: The lake itself and the area around it are referred to as "Lac Mousseau". The name "Harrington" is thought to be a misspelling of "Hetherington", the name of a family which settled in this area. The French name "Mousseau" comes from another early settler to the area, Louis Mousseau,