Meech Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Meech Lake |
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View from O'Brien Beach at the south-east end of the lake in early spring
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 Meech Lake
Location in Quebec
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| Location | Chelsea, Les Collines-de-l'Outaouais Regional County Municipality, Quebec |
| Coordinates | 45°32′06″N 75°53′21″W / 45.53500°N 75.88917°W |
| Basin countries | Canada |
Meech Lake (French: Lac Meech) is a beautiful lake found inside Gatineau Park in Quebec, Canada. It's about 20 kilometers northwest of a city called Gatineau. The lake got its name from Reverend Asa Meech, who was one of the first people to settle in this area.
History of Meech Lake
Meech Lake has some interesting history! Near the lake, along Meech Creek, you can find the old ruins of a fertilizer factory. This factory was built in the early 1900s by a man named Thomas Willson, who was also known as "Carbide" Willson.
Willson also had a summer home right on Meech Lake. In 1981, this house, called the Willson House, was turned into a special meeting place for the government.
The Meech Lake Accord
The Willson House became very famous in 1987. This is because it was the place where important meetings happened about something called the Meech Lake Accord. This Accord was a big plan to change parts of Canada's constitution. The constitution is like a rulebook for how the country works. The leaders of Canada's provinces and the Prime Minister at the time, Brian Mulroney, met here to talk about these big changes.
Fun Activities at the Lake
Meech Lake is a very popular spot for many different activities. People love to visit for:
- Picnics with family and friends
- Relaxing on the beaches
- Boating and paddleboarding on the water
- Visiting historic cottages that were built even before Gatineau Park was created
It's also a favorite place for people who enjoy open water swimming. Every year, the Meech Lake Triathlon, a big sports event, takes place here.
Protecting the Lake
The National Capital Commission (NCC) looks after Gatineau Park, including Meech Lake. They run the beaches during the summer.
However, the lake has faced some challenges. In recent years, there has been a problem with too much blue-green algae growing in the water. A study in 1988 found that most of the phosphorus, which helps this algae grow, comes from people living around the lake. Visitors also contribute, but residents are the main source.
The NCC tries to keep the lake safe and clean. For example, fires are not allowed on the islands or beaches. In 2016, a fire started by a picnicker on one island burned a quarter of it! So, it's really important to follow the rules to protect this beautiful natural area.
