Marshall’s Bay in Arnprior is getting a new builder. Ottawa-based eQ Homes has taken over the remaining lots from Neilcorp Homes in the partially finished development and began selling townhomes, bungalows and two-storey singles as of Aug. 16.
“It’s got an established neighbourhood feel because the community is half built out,” notes eQ’s director of marketing and product development, Tobin Kardish, in explaining the appeal of Marshall’s Bay for the company. “People are moving into what’s already a community that’s rooted, with a lifestyle.”
His brother, Josh Kardish, who is eQ’s vice-president, adds that taking over an already established community makes a good introduction to the town: This is eQ’s first foray into Arnprior.
“We’re going to be in Arnprior as well in our own standalone community in the coming years, so there was a certain logic to trying to get out there sooner rather than later and show people who are thinking of moving to Arnprior (and) people who are already living there what we have to offer and how we go about selling homes, building them and the engagement that we offer clients throughout that process.”
Neilcorp, a longtime valley builder, started Marshall’s Bay in 2021 and has built just over half of the project’s 350+ homes. The company chose to bring in eQ for the remainder of the development (as well as an extension of the Mill Run project in Almonte) to allow it to focus on its development in Calabogie.
Citing a “good long-standing relationship” with eQ and its parent company, The Regional Group, Neilcorp owner Robert Dick says he chose to partner with them because “I think they’re as close to Neilcorp in terms of philosophy and quality as any home builder.”
Josh also points to the relationship between the two companies. “We were the logical people to transition the communities over to.”
eQ already has a track record of building in towns just beyond the boundaries of Ottawa, starting with its inaugural project, the award-winning golf course community of eQuinelle in Kemptville, which began in 2011 and will see more than 1,000 homes once complete. But eQ has also become known for its urban developments, in particular for the innovative Greystone Village in Old Ottawa East, which will see close to 1,000 homes and other uses.
The brothers have looked forward to the move west. “We’re just excited to be part of the community and bring our sense of community to their community,” says Tobin.
The existing community at Marshall’s Bay is a mix of townhomes, bungalows and two-storey singles, all of which eQ is also offering.
“What’s going to be unique about eQ Homes is we’re going to come out with a different lens … focusing a little heavier on the two-storey towns (to meet demand from) families who are looking for affordable living outside the city,” Tobin said ahead of the launch.
The company is also emphasizing its multi-generational floor plans, including both singles and towns with main-floor in-law suites, as well as flex spaces to add bedrooms both upstairs and in the basement.
“The goal is a house that’s designed for a family that’s either aging in place or growing,” he says.
eQ launched at Marshall’s Bay with a release of about 30 lots, starting (at the time of writing) at $499,900 for townhomes and $639,900 for singles, with initial occupancy expected in fall 2026.
All singles come with features such as smooth ceilings throughout (with nine-foot main-floor ceilings), smart thermostat, HRV, drain water heat recovery unit and upgraded insulation. The Signature series singles also include quartz counters, hardwood on the main floor and air conditioning among the features.
Townhomes include features such as engineered vinyl plank flooring on the main floor, a smart home package, nine-foot main-floor ceilings, smooth ceilings throughout, an HRV and a drain water heat recovery unit.
The homes “are thoughtfully crafted to strike the perfect balance of style, function and everyday comfort,” says Tobin. “They feature open-concept layouts with elevated ceiling treatments, well-designed gourmet kitchens, spacious bedrooms and versatile living areas.”
Exteriors, meanwhile, range from farmhouse-inspired to contemporary with a goal of a visually appealing streetscape. “It’s all about creating a community where individuality shines, yet everything feels connected,” he says.
The Marshall’s Bay community will include two parks (one is already built) and is close to outdoor amenities like Macnamara Trail and Arnprior Beach, where the Ottawa and Madawaska rivers meet.
As for the town itself, “it’s its own town,” Tobin says. “It’s small, but it’s also big. It’s charming, it’s got a real sense of community, and the downtown core is definitely a unique place to be,” which is part of the reason eQ has chosen to locate its Marshall’s Bay sales office downtown — at least until a model home is built next year.
Josh points out how exurban towns like Arnprior “are true complete communities. There is something a bit funny about the fact the city (of Ottawa) is so focused on this notion of 15-minute communities and their planning work. We have 15-minute communities in all the towns that have grown up — and are now finding their next generation of purpose — all around Ottawa.
“And so, when you move to Arnprior, you have mature schools, mature parks, you have a local health services community that has been there for a long time… To me, that’s what makes Arnprior special, that and the water — the parks on the water are absolutely fantastic.”
For more on Marshall’s Bay, check our development summary.
This article ran in the Ottawa Citizen on Aug. 16, 2025.
