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History of the Outaouais

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Traduit de la version française

Directed by Chad Gaffield

André Cellard, Gérald Pelletier, Odette Vincent-Domey, Caroline Andrew, André Beaucage

Normand Fortier, Jean Harvey, Jean-Marc Soucy

In 1796 I came to Montréal, in Canada, to explore the Country, being determined to change my residence into Canada, having a large family to provide for… I then viewed the Country on both sides of the St. Lawrence, the whole of the distance from Quebec until I arrived at the Ottawa or Grand River, in the Township of Hull, taking time to explore and examine the Country, but more particularly the parts bordering upon both sides of the Ottawa or Grand River; I also particularly examined the said River as respects Navigating it, with the advantages and disadvantages attending a new Settlement in that Country.

This part of the country has immense resources in fine Timber, not only Merchantable but for making Ashes, sufficient to furnish great supplies for any foreign market, even to Load 1000 Vessels. This part of the Country was unknown or unthought of by the Inhabitants of Montreal, except the North West Company whose interest appeared to be to keep the said Country in the then unihabited state….

Finding this place to be the most advantageous for making a place of deposit for my general concerns, owing to the easy access to the water communication up and down the River, and the stoppage by reason of the Portage, I thought to expend considerable money in clearing land and building, knowing its local situation would not be rivalled by any, having two large Rivers emptying into the Ottawa near this place, The Gateno from the North, and the Rideau from the South, and generally a good surrounding Country. All of these things were flattering even to overcome the disagreeable sensation of thinking that I was 120 miles from all business, and 80 miles from any settlement, however I was determined to use every exertion that lay in my power, with a full hope and expectation that at some future period, it would become a second Montreal….

Philemon Wright, “ Sketch of the First Settlement on the Ottawa or Grand River, ” 1824.


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