Gatineau, September 24th, 2019 – Focusing on the four pillars of sustainable development, the feasibility plan we are unveiling today marks an important step in the establishment of the Philemon-Wright National Fluvial Museum. This 220-page plan, which is eagerly awaited, sets out the three components of the museum archipelago: https://bit.ly/2WBhrs0
(the English version is in process of being translated)

Putting our national heroes, the Raftsmen and the Log drivers, as central characters, this museum aims to re-acquaint the National Capital Region with the story of those Ulysses of yesteryear, who piloted their titanic timber rafts (500 m x 60 m) over 1,000 km to the port of Quebec City.

The Capital, our country’s international showcase: As the birthplace of the forest industry in North America, the Ottawa Valley has a rich history that has branded Canada’s image since the 19th century. From Parliament, Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. MacDonald, wrote: « The vision of the endless convoys of wood that pass through my windows every morning constantly reminds me that we absolutely must look to the future of this flourishing trade. » In 1851, Canada’s first postage stamp featured an image of the beaver, raising it to the symbolic rank of Forest Engineer and it then became the country’s official emblem. At the time when Ottawa became Canada’s capital city, the Wood Rush would establish the timber industry as Canada’s largest source of income over the next two generations. We hear it in the national anthem (1880) and in the stories surrounding the nation’s founding. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Prime Minister of Canada (1896-1911), wrote: « Joe Montferrand brings together in his person all the features of the national character […] [ he ] was the most truly Canadian that Canadians had ever seen. » This legendary master Raftsman personified the heroic exploits of tens of thousands of Raftsmen for over a hundred years, encapsulating the heart and soul of the industry.

Transmission of our heritage: Looking to the future, the A.B.C. Strategies team is actively pursuing its work, which is being published through the EDURAMA collection, which is linked to the CREE, the research centre of the Philemon-Wright National Fluvial Museum: https://issuu.com/abcstrategies

« This innovative project will be an essential development in our region. »
— Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament for Hull-Aylmer (excerpt from letter of support, 08/07/2019).

« The realization of your project will create a sense of collective pride. »
— Dany Gareau, Sépaq, Opémican National Park (excerpt letter of support, 21/02/2019).

« This rich past, unique to our region, can be an important component of cultural, identity and economic development. »
— Patrick Duguay, Director of the CDROL (excerpt letter of support, 19/09/2019)

« Tourists will come to discover the important role that the timber industry has played in the development of the Outaouais region. »
— Maryse Gaudreault and André Fortin, Members of National Assembly of Quebec (excerpt from letter of support, 03/06/2019).

« This $200 million project is the most exciting project I’ve seen to date! »
— Lionel Boucher, former Log driver and retired General Manager.