Rockland

Discover Rockland, Ontario: A Blend of History and Modernity

Rockland, Ontario, a bilingual community nestled 40 km east of downtown Ottawa, is a part of the city of Clarence-Rockland. With a population of 26,505 as of 2021, Rockland is a vibrant hub for the francophone community in Eastern Ontario. This article explores the rich history, leisure activities, and transportation options in Rockland, Ontario.

The Historical Journey of Rockland, Ontario

The history of Rockland, Ontario, dates back to 1840 when the Clarence region began to grow with the development of the road to l'Orignal-Bytown. Farmers tirelessly cleared wooded areas to cultivate land, their only means of survival. In 1868, a young entrepreneur, William Cameron Edwards, established a sawmill at the McCaul point, naming the area Rockland for its rocky landscape.

The opening of a link to the Grand Trunk Railway in 1888 facilitated the transportation of wood and merchandise. The first school opened in 1875, and the first high-school in 1905. The construction of a second railroad in 1908 linking Ottawa and Hawkesbury greatly promoted population growth.

The economic turmoil following the First World War led to the closure of the woodmill owned by W. C. Edwards in 1926. Economic recovery began in 1939 with the start of the Second World War, and the return of soldiers after the war brought an increase in population. The rapid increase in home construction led to the need for expanded water services, electricity, and a sewer system implemented in 1964.

Leisure Activities in Rockland, Ontario

Rockland, Ontario, is home to a newly constructed 45,000-square-foot Recreation Centre. The centre houses the Rockland Library, the largest YMCA in the Ottawa area, and a theatre. On July 8, 2009, the Canadian and Ontario governments jointly announced funding for the construction of a new sporting event and training center in Rockland.

The semi-private Outaouais Golf Club in Rockland, Ontario, offers courses that are considered among the highest rated in the National Capital Region. Canadian Professional Golfers Association (CPGA) professionals are onsite to provide lessons, and practice sessions are also available to all golfers.

Transportation in Rockland, Ontario

Rockland, Ontario, is served by Prescott-Russell Road 17, a two-lane road that bypasses the centre of the community to its north. Heading west, it becomes Ottawa Road 174 heading towards Orleans and downtown Ottawa via Highway 417. Eastward it connects to municipalities such as Wendover, Alfred, Plantagenet, and Hawkesbury.

The community is also served by a commuter bus line operated by Leduc Bus Lines which offers 10–12 trips from the village to downtown Ottawa and Gatineau during rush hour. The community of Rockland has expressed a desire to establish OC Transpo connections to exchange Ottawa city culture with the rural French community that inhabits Rockland. As of December 2021, this connection has not been established.

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