The community of Madawaska lies at the junction of the Madawaska River and Highway 60, in what was formerly the Township of Airy. Its origins trace back to the timber boom of the late 1800s, when the river was used extensively for log drives feeding mills downstream. Madawaska developed as a logging depot, with bunkhouses, supply stores, and river infrastructure supporting the timber trade.

With the arrival of the Ottawa, Arnprior & Parry Sound Railway in the late 19th century, Madawaska became a key point for transporting logs and goods through Algonquin country. Though the timber industry has since declined, the community has remained a local hub, particularly as a recreational and outfitting stop for those entering the nearby parklands.

For surveyors, Madawaska involves a hybrid of industrial and Crown land records. Riverfront parcels often reflect historical occupation tied to mill and logging operations, with metes-and-bounds descriptions prevailing over standard concession frameworks. Water level control structures and riparian rights frequently influence boundary retracement. Surveys may require coordination with the Ministry of Natural Resources and consideration of historic timber limits.