History of Buckingham, Québec, Canada

Buckingham, a village in Ottawa co., Quebec, on the Rivière du Lièvre, near its outlet into the Ottawa, 18 miles E.N.E. of Ottawa. It has 3 churches, a post-office, a savings bank, and manufactures of lumber, brick, &c. Pop. 3000.

In the history of labor struggles in Quebec, the city is known as the site of a major strike by employees of the MacLaren company. Indeed, in October 1906, the 400 members of the International Union of MacLaren Company Employees confronted scabs and armed private guards; the Buckingham police, whose mayor is manager of the company, intervene. The private guards hired by the company opened fire on the strikers, two workers were killed, including Thomas Bélanger, president of the union, and François Thériault, secretary of the union. The army intervenes and several strikers are sentenced to imprisonment.

Buckingham, Qué, Town, pop 11 668 (2001c), 11 678 (1996c), 10 548 (1991c), area 15.11 km2, inc 1979, is located 40 km east of HULL. The town was for a short period (1975-80) amalgamated with its neighbours Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette, L'Ange-Gardien, Buckingham-Sud-Est, Buckingham-Ouest, Angers, Masson and the township of Buckingham. Buckingham is dominated by the Rivière du Lièvre, which runs through the town, and the Lower Laurentians.
Originally incorporated as a village in 1855 and as a city in 1890, it adopted the name of the township in which it is situated. The name is a historical reminder of the role played in 19th-century British politics by George Nugent Temple Grenville, 1st Marquis of Buckingham (1753-1813). Buckinghams's first industries were lumber and the mining of mica and feldspar.

Today the forestry sector still dominates - James MacLaren Industries in nearby Masson-Angers is a long-standing employer - but 2 chemical producers provide some diversification....

1. Gatineau Park:

Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in Gatineau Park, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. The park is a haven for nature lovers and offers breathtaking views, especially during the fall foliage season.

Picnicking: Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal in one of the park's designated picnic areas. Lac Philippe and Pink Lake are popular spots for picnicking.

Cross-Country Skiing: During the winter months, Gatineau Park becomes a cross-country skiing paradise with well-maintained trails suitable for all skill levels.

Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for wildlife while you're in the park. You might spot deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species.

2. Buckingham Park:

Local Festivals: Check out any local events or festivals happening in Buckingham Park. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the community's culture and enjoy music, food, and entertainment.

Playgrounds: If you have kids, the park has playgrounds where they can run around and have...