The paradox of nature and elite second homes: Examining the eco-social impacts of Meech Lake cottagers in Gatineau Park, Québec

ABSTRACT

This study examines the eco-social impacts of cottagers at Meech Lake, Québec. It documents the paradoxical effects of cottagers’ attraction to nature as they locked in an elite leisure landscape, and embedded the urban field in an environmentally sensitive area. On the one hand, Meech Lake cottagers were instrumental in nature preservation through their involvement in the establishment of Gatineau Park, a wilderness area protected by the federal government. On the other hand, Meech Lake cottagers have put increasing pressures on the lake ecosystem through permanent residency, construction of purpose-built residences, and widespread violation of bylaws for shoreline re-naturalization. In terms of social impacts, this study shows that cottagers protested the establishment of park facilities, and have tried to limit public use of Meech Lake. I argue that cottagers’ actions undermine their environmental stewardship claims. This underscores the need for cottagers’ adoption of ecological design principles, and for greater co-operation between municipal and federal governments to protect the lake ecosystem from future development.

KEYWORDS:

• Second homes
• cottage country
• nature
• lake ecosystem
• environmental impacts
• social impacts
• ecological design
• land-use planning
• National Capital Commission

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank the two anonymous reviewers and the guest editor, Kevin Markwell, for feedback and suggestions that greatly improved this article. Thanks also to Jean-Paul Murray for his comments on an earlier draft of this article, and for permission to use his photograph. The author appreciates the assistance of Lindsay Stephenson and Esenia Jubea at the National Capital Commission for providing access to research materials.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Michael Lait (Ph.D.) is an environmental sociologist with research and teaching interests in environmental controversies, parks and protected areas, and community engagement. Michael is a Postdoctoral Researcher with the Community Development Institute at the University of Northern British Columbia.

ORCID

Michael Lait http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9859-3881

Notes

1. It should be noted that, like other social groups, Meech Lake cottagers are not homogeneous and monolithic. Though some cottagers are self-serving and hypocritical when claiming to be environmental stewards, there are others who adhere to municipal bylaws for shoreline re-naturalization and so better exemplify environmental stewardship. While there are differences among Meech Lake cottagers, some generalizations can be made about them on the basis of the evidence that has been collected. This caveat about cottagers also applies to the Meech Lake Association (MLA), within which a diversity of opinion is expressed at association meetings. However, the MLA ultimately speaks with one voice, and is represented by its individual leaders.

2. Willson also dammed Little Meech Lake and built the world's first phosphoric acid condensation plant to produce fertilizer. Cottagers expressed frustration with Willson as the dam would raise and lower water levels. Incidentally, Willson's residence was acquired by the federal government and turned into a conference centre – the one at which the Meech Lake Accord was negotiated between federal and provincial leaders. In the minds of most Canadians, ‘Meech Lake’ refers to this Accord, wherein several amendments were proposed to the Constitution of Canada including recognition of Quebec as a ‘distinct society.’ Despite widespread support for the Accord, it ultimately failed to pass. ‘Meech Lake’ has since become synonymous with this divisive event in Canadian history.

3. As described in the online advertisement for ‘Meech Lake Waterfront Property’: ‘Nestled directly on the shores of Meech Lake, in the middle of the Gatineau Park. Unique modern waterfront property offering spectacular views of Meech Lake. One bed + guest cabin + sofabed. Sleeps 4–6. 4+ appliances in modern kitchen. Full bath plus washer/dryer. Air conditioning. Wood burning stove. Parking for up to 3 cars. Just 20 min from Ottawa!’ Available at https://www.cottagesincanada.com/meechlakewaterfront. Last accessed 22 December 2017.