Gatineau

Gatineau Forklift Parts - The city of Gatineau, Quebec is situated within the area of Hull, within the western portion of the province on the north shoreline of the Ottawa River. It is directly across from the country's capital of Ottawa, Ontario and is part of the oldest European settlement in the National Capital Region. The population of Gatineau is around 265,349, and the metropolitan population of both Ottawa and Gatineau is 1,236,324.

The township of Gatineau was established by Philemon Wright during the year 1800, when he led his family and numerous others, and some labourers to the region nearby Chaudiere Falls. The group intended to create an agricultural community in the wilderness, but discovered a more lucrative trade in timber. Initially known as Wrightstown, it was renamed Hull. Just recently, after amalgamation during 2002, it became the City of Gatineau, the biggest township in the Outaouais region.

Gatineau is so close to the nation's capital that many provincial and federal offices are located there. The federal government has a policy encouraging federal civil servant jobs on both sides of the Ottawa River. Several large towers house federal government offices within downtown Gatineau, including Terrasses de la Chaudière and Place du Portage. The headquarters of the Public Works and Government Services Canada, Canadian International Development Agency and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada are situated in the city.

The Canadian Museum of Civilization within the city of Gatineau draws thousands of tourists as does the Casino du Lac-Leamy, that hosts an annual international fireworks competition. The city hosts a colourful show each and every Labour Day weekend when numerous hot air balloons take to the skies.