We are facing Lake Gilbert, an elongated headwater body over one kilometre wide. It drains into Lake Peasley, which then feeds into the Millington Bog—a 260-hectare peatland recognized for its ecological richness. Thanks to the municipality’s conservation efforts, 60% of this wetland is now protected in perpetuity.
The lake’s name has an interesting history:
Originally known as Place Pond, it was named after Aylmer Place, a former mayor of East-Bolton (part of which became Austin in 1938). The Place family lived near the intersection of North Road in the heart of the now-defunct hamlet of Millington. The northern hill overlooking the lake still bears the Place name.
In 1938, the Scouts of Old Longueuil acquired much of the lakeshore, and the lake became informally known as Scout Lake or Hidden Lake, due to its obscured view from North Road.
In 1953, local Scout and Guide groups petitioned the Geography Commission (now the Commission de toponymie) to officially rename the lake in memory of Gilbert Côté, leader of Longueuil’s first Scout troop, who ran summer camps here for several years.
This scenic blend of water and forest is emblematic of the municipality, which features seven lakes and two large ponds. Notice how the view is gradually narrowing as riparian vegetation continues to grow.
References :
Website of the Commission de toponymie du Québec
Website of Association communautaire de protection du lac Gilbert