The government of Canada wanted to preserve land beside the Rideau Canal.

And that includes the Dows Lake and Chateau Laurier Hotel properties.

House of Commons Ottawa February 9, 1966.  Mr. Hopkins (Liberal) 1.) "What steps have been taken by the government to preserve the unoccupied lands adjacent to the Rideau system and to prevent pollution of the waters and despoliation of the area by indiscriminate land speculation?" 

Mr. James Allen Byrne (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport) Liberal: "For several years the Department of Transport has witheld action on disposal of any substantial parcels of federal lands owned by that department adjacent to the Rideau system which may be suitable for public recreational development pending emergence, as a result of joint consultations with the province of Ontario, of future plans for development of the system as a whole."

"The problem of pollution referred to would appear to be a matter within the jurisdiction of the provincial government and it is understood that the provincial authorities have been concerning themselves actively with this problem."

House of Commons Ottawa February 9, 1966. Rideau Canal Recreational Development. Mr. Hopkins (Liberal): "Has the government entered into any arrangement with the province of Ontario relating to the development of lands adjacent to the Rideau canal for recreational purposes?"

Mr. James Allen Byrne (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport) Liberal: "While no formal agreement has been made with the government of the province of Ontario, a series of discussions have taken place looking into a joint arrangement or understanding regarding future development of lands adjacent to the Rideau Canal for recreational purposes, and these discussions are expected to continue with a view to adoption of a joint plan."