Otherwise, public access to the island is currently restricted due to an environmental remediation project set to be completed in 2025.

[5] The island was named for Queen Victoria and,[9] beginning in the 19th century, became the location of residences, commerce, and mixed industry,[2] including a sawmill, ironwork, and manufacturing companies.

[8] The National Capital Commission (NCC) acquired most of the island in the 1960s and the remainder from Public Services and Procurement Canada in 2018.

[13] In 1988, Algonquins of Barriere Lake set up tents on the island to protest "the ravaging of their land by the federal and Quebec governments".

[15] In 2013, Attawapiskat First Nation chief Theresa Spence took up residence on the island to protest against the Government of Canada.