For many people searching for a new place to call home, the perfect community offers more than just a house. It offers connections, convenience, space to grow and a lifestyle that feels just right. Nestled along the Ottawa River, Clarence-Rockland is becoming exactly that kind of place.
Just 25 minutes east of Ottawa, Clarence-Rockland was created through the amalgamation of several communities in 1998. Today, the area blends the charm of small-town living with the conveniences of a growing municipality and has quietly transformed into one of Eastern Ontario’s fastest-growing communities. Families, first-time buyers, retirees and young professionals are increasingly choosing the community for its affordability, growing amenities and quality of life, according to Mayor Mario Zanth and local home builders.
“It’s the value for the money,” says Betsy Leeks, sales manager at Cardel Homes, which is building at Morris Village. “Lower prices bring young families and downsizers. It gives people more space, a quieter environment and a safe community with green spaces and parks.”
That balance between affordability and lifestyle is one of Clarence-Rockland’s biggest attractions. Compared to many Ottawa neighbourhoods, buyers can often purchase larger homes on bigger lots while staying within budget. For growing families, that means extra bedrooms, larger backyards and room for children to play. For retirees, it means simplifying life without giving up comfort or access to nature.
Affordability has encouraged many buyers to look beyond the city limits, says Tobin Kardish, vice-president of strategic growth at eQ Homes, which is building The Villages at Clarence Crossing.
“People have opened their minds to the fact that you can move out of the city, have everything you need for day-to-day living and save some money,” he says. “There’s also this balance of wanting to be somewhere more connected to nature with a tight-knit community.”
Residents agree that Clarence-Rockland offers a lifestyle that’s hard to find elsewhere.
“It’s been great,” says Loïc Corriveau, a resident for nearly 13 years. “It’s a small but big community. Everyone seems to know each other; everyone connects to each other.”
For Corriveau, one of the biggest advantages is having the essentials close to home while still being within easy reach of Ottawa.
“We have every little store that we need around,” he says. “We’re not having to travel outside of town all the time, but the amenities are only about 25 minutes away.”
That connection to nature is impossible to ignore. The drive into Clarence-Rockland from Ottawa follows the Ottawa River, offering scenic water views before opening into a town filled with parks, trails and green spaces.
“The drive is actually beautiful,” Kardish says. “You pull into Rockland, you see the beautiful water and the town. It is a very unique and pretty place.”
Zanth shares that sentiment, describing the municipality as “a beautiful bilingual community” that continues to grow while holding onto its welcoming atmosphere.
“It’s on the river, it’s got amazing views, beautiful sunsets and it’s a combination of rural and urban,” he says. “It’s just a beautiful mix of everything.”
For many families already living in the community, it’s that peaceful atmosphere that keeps them here.
“I really enjoy living in Rockland because it’s a quiet place, and it’s a family place,” says Alice Ebene, who has called the community home since 2019. “We feel safe here.”
Sara Minamou, who moved to Clarence-Rockland in 2015, says she has also found the people to be one of the community’s greatest strengths.
“Everybody is gentle and kind,” she says. “It’s pretty good here.”
For families, Clarence-Rockland’s appeal extends well beyond its scenery.
Parks, playgrounds, sports fields and recreational programs give children plenty of opportunities to stay active. The town is known for its strong hockey culture, home to the Rockland Nationals Junior A hockey team and the Canadian International Hockey Academy. New additions, including the Score Tennis Academy and community recreation projects, continue to expand opportunities for youth.
Developers are also investing heavily in lifestyle-focused amenities. eQ’s The Villages at Clarence Crossing will feature a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse complete with a fitness centre, swimming pool, pickleball and tennis courts, walking trails and gathering spaces designed to help neighbours connect.
“We’ve created something very unique,” Kardish says. “It creates a community within a community where people naturally build friendships and groups.”
Residents also hope to see even more opportunities created for local children.
“I would really like to see a new arena with a swimming pool and more activities for kids,” Ebene says. “There are a lot of kids who want to learn how to swim, but there isn’t enough space.”
Clarence-Rockland’s growing list of amenities also means residents no longer need to travel far for everyday essentials. Major retailers like Walmart, Winners and Starbucks now complement locally owned restaurants, cafés and boutique shops, giving residents both convenience and small-town character.
Still, like many growing communities, Clarence-Rockland has room to improve.
Residents consistently point to transportation as one of the town’s biggest challenges. With limited public transit and Highway 17 narrowing to two lanes for a significant stretch between the municipality and Ottawa, commuting can become difficult during peak travel times.
“For newcomers, it’s difficult because there are no buses,” Minamou says. “Even for work, transportation is really important.”
Cardel’s Leeks says improved transportation would only strengthen Clarence-Rockland’s future.
“The highway is one of the biggest concerns people have,” she explains. “If access improves, I absolutely think you’ll see even more development.”
Zanth agrees, saying highway expansion and improved transit remain among the municipality’s top priorities as the population continues to grow.
Despite those growing pains, what continues to stand out most is the community itself.
Corriveau believes Clarence-Rockland’s sense of connection is what truly sets it apart.
“I’ve been able to do a lot of business with people in Rockland,” he says. “That’s what makes it such a great community.”
