| The
name LaPasse originates from
“Lapasse des outardes”
in reference to the passing
of geese in their flights to
and from the Northern and Southern
areas. LaPasse was first known
though as Gower Point since
it was located on the eastern
extremity of Gower Line (known
now as the Gore Line) leading
directly to the hamlet of Westmeath.
It was during the 1830's that
settlers journeyed up the St.
Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers from
Quebec City and Montreal inhabiting
this area. The majority of settlers
were French Canadians, but there
were also some pioneers of Scottish
and Irish descent. To nurture
their strong Catholic faith,
the first chapel to be built
was a log building erected on
the site of the present presbytery
but fire later destroyed it.
In 1886, a stone building was
constructed which today still
serves as Our Lady of Mount
Carmel Parish. |
 |
LaPasse is
well known for its ferry that
travelled from LaPasse to Fort
Coulonge, Quebec, a distance
of three miles. The first ferry
used a horse-powered engine
while in later years, a larger
gas engine was used and a wooden
scow. Arnel Laporte who operated
the ferry from 1939 to 1961
used a steel scow that could
carry six large cars at one
time. During the winter months,
an ice road was maintained across
the Ottawa River which was used
by farmers to take their produce
such as hay, grain, potatoes
and butter to the lumber camps
or to be traded for other goods
in the Quebec stores. |
Nowadays,
LaPasse’s population peaks
during the summer months as
cottagers and tourist descend
on the hamlet and surrounding
area to enjoy some leisure time
spent boating, fishing and swimming
on the Ottawa River |
