Thomas MacKay

Thomas MacKay moved from Scotland to Montreal and onto Bytown in 1817. Ten years later he received the contract to build the Rideau Canal's Ottawa, Hartwells, Hogs Back and Jones Falls lockstations. He build his first sawmill at Rideau Falls upon completion of the Canal in 1832 and soon added a flour mill, bakery, cloth factory and distillery. He built a second mill which manufactured shingles and more finished products such as doors, windows and sashes. The streets of New Edinburg bear the names of his wife and children and his home, Rideau Hall, is now the official residence of the Governor General of Canada.