The Ottawa Citizen

Gatineau Park is often described as a jewel on Ottawa's doorstep. But as valuables go, the 363-square kilometre expanse of hills, lakes, rocks and breathtaking vistas, has long been poorly insured against damage.

Gatineau is the only federal park with no national protection from development or encroachment. As a result, it has seen both in recent years, creating concern that the jewel will be irreparably tarnished. Finally, however, there's a chance that this neglect is about to end, and anyone who has ever skied, cycled, hiked, camped or driven through the park should be pleased.

The federal government is expected soon to introduce legislation that would guarantee the health of the park. A private member's bill addressing the issue introduced by Ottawa Centre MP Paul Dewar has already passed, and the new legislation, like Dewar's bill, should grant Gatineau Park the same protection as national parks -- without actually making it a national park (which would require expropriation of private properties).

The aim is to define the park's boundaries and ensure that any changes to the park -- such as development or redrawing of boundaries -- could be done only with Parliament's approval. With the new guidelines, the park could remain under the management of the National Capital Commission.

For those who use the park -- and more than a million people do every year -- the initiative makes sense. Gatineau Park need not be cleared of commercial activity and returned to pristine wilderness in order to be valuable, but it does need protection. It is beloved just the way it is, as a mix of cultural and natural attractions, from the Mackenzie King estate to the recreation venues.

It adds up to a perfect backyard for the capital region, one that must be preserved for future generations.