Talk:Gatineau River

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The recent claim that Nicolas Gatineau, is namesake of the river and city is highly suspect in its description of person.

He is identified by the new claimants as at once a public servant in Trois Rivieres and a private fur trader that in c 1680, would make him also a coureur des bois (an outlaw, and enemy of the crown).

In argument to claims made, the Gatineau river is unsuited to the moving of furs because of its falls and is unknown for beaver in any numbers. It is not possible to move furs as timber in precipitous territory. Even with reference to the Ottawa river, only large amounts of fur could be moved and by native bands working in concert. Gatineau, as a fur trader along routes described, is absurdity.

More likely Gatineau's drowning on an overland visit to the upper Gatineau river was reason for the naming of a chapel there after his demise and that he is namesake of that and later river for this reason. It is a case of coincidence of naming and not earned honours.