The township of Low is celebrating 150 years since taking its name from a lumber merchant with Gatineau Valley timber rights.

Low is a township north of Wakefield with a population of around 850.

Hundreds of those with ties to the Gatineau Hills municipality came out Saturday to mark its 150th anniversary.

"My ancestors came from the south, from the Ottawa area, and worked their way up here, cleared the land, and started building churches, schools, and houses," said Low resident Audrey St. Jean, at the event.

The four-day event to mark the anniversary will continue until July 1. It will include a barbeque, square dancing and music to remember Low's proud history. All events are free of charge.