Harrington Park Lakes

Harrington Park Lakes, also known as Lac Mousseau, is a summer residence and all-season retreat of the Prime Minister of Canada located in Gatineau Park, approximately 35 kilometers northwest of Ottawa.

It is managed by the National Capital Commission since 1986 and is not open to the public. The property includes four recreational buildings and can be accessed via Chemin de Lac Meech with a gatehouse staffed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Protective Policing Service.

The main cottage at Harrington Park Lakes offers a beautiful view of the lake, and the estate also includes a staff cottage, upper guest cottage, lower guest cottage, boat house, paddleboat dock, and a long dock located northeast of the retreat. Visitors can enjoy the serene ambiance and scenic beauty of the lake.

The history of Harrington Park Lakes dates back to the 19th century when it was settled by several families, including the Harrington and Mousseau families. The lake became known as "Harrington Lake" in English and "lac Mousseau" in French. The land was not suitable for farming, so the lumber industry became the primary economic activity. In the 1920s, Lieutenant Colonel Cameron Macpherson Edwards inherited part of the property and recognized its value for recreation. He purchased more land and built a 16-room cottage in the Colonial Revival style. The lake and property were later acquired by the King in the Right of Canada in 1951.

In 1959, Harrington Lake was chosen as the site for an official country residence for the Prime Minister of Canada. The property is historically significant and played a role in negotiations for the Meech Lake Accord. Today, it serves as a secure