Boundaries
The boundaries of Clarence-Rockland are Cambridge-Clarence Road on the south, Canaan Road on the west, the Ottawa River on the north, and Division, Boudreau and Robillard roads on the east.
History
European settlement of this region began in the second half of the 19th century, spurred by railroads and agriculture. W.C. Edwards opened a sawmill in Rockland in 1868 that employed more than 1,000 people at its peak; when it closed in 1926, many moved to Quebec to seek work. The area’s fortunes rebounded in the post-war years, as returning veterans settled there. Highway 417 between Gloucester and the Quebec border opened in 1975, improving commuting times between the southern part of the community and Ottawa. Today, Clarence-Rockland is predominantly francophone but officially bilingual.
Claim to fame
Rockland’s most prominent landmark is the 53-metre-tall silver tower of Très-Sainte-Trinité Church on Laurier Street. Completed in 1919, this is the third church on the site (the first two burned down). The parish occasionally hosts concerts in the church, which has excellent acoustics.
Clarence-Rockland neighbourhoods
- Rockland
- Rockland East
- Canaan
- Cheney
- Clarence Creek
- Bourget
- Hammond
Who’s building where
- Clarence Crossing: eQ Homes
- Morris Village: Cardel Homes, Longwood Building and others
In the area
Beyond Rockland, much of this township is rural, appealing to home buyers who are looking for large properties and proximity to nature. Attractions in Clarence-Rockland and nearby include:
- Ottawa River
- Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail
- Larose Forest
- Clarence-Rockland Museum
- Canaan Blueberries
- Mariposa Farm
- Calypso Theme Waterpark
- Popsilos
- Quiet country roads
- Farmgate food stands
Schools
Clarence-Rockland has one French public elementary school, five French Catholic elementary schools, one English public elementary school, two English Catholic elementary schools, and three high schools (English public, English Catholic, French Catholic). The nearest French public high schools are in Hawkesbury and Casselman.
- English public: Upper Canada District School Board
- English Catholic: Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario
- French public: Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario
- French Catholic: Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien
T.R. Leger School, which offers adult education and alternative programs, has a campus in Rockland.
Businesses
Clarence-Rockland has a few independent stores and a good range of chain shops and restaurants, including:
- Bel’Ortie
- Hitices Clothing and Accessories
- Fashion Sports and WorkWear
- Rosalynn’s Bistro and Catering
- Subway
- Boston Pizza
- McDonald’s
- Parent’s Your Independent Grocer
- Mark’s
- RONA
- Walmart
- Bulk Barn
- The Source
Amenities
Clarence-Rockland hosts schools, golf courses, recreation facilities, boat ramps, an off-leash dog park and other amenities, including:
- Clarence-Rockland Y
- Clarence-Rockland Public Library (Rockland and Bourget)
- Joël Gauthier Skatepark
- Optimiste Performance Hall
- Arena, Event and Training Centre
- Jean-Marc Lalonde Arena
- Clarence Creek Arena
Services
Clarence-Rockland residents have access to a range of services, particularly in Rockland, including doctors’ and dentists’ offices, florists, grocery stores, day care centres, veterinary services, and banks. The nearest hospitals are in Ottawa and Hawkesbury.
Transit options
In non-rush-hour traffic, Rockland is about 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa via County Road 17/Highway 174. From more southern communities in Clarence-Rockland, many commuters use Highway 417. Leduc Bus Lines provides weekday commuter service between multiple points in Clarence-Rockland and Ottawa. The Ecolos ferry connects Clarence to Thurso, Quebec.