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

Abstract

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.