Economic Development
Destination Clarence-Rockland
The City of Clarence-Rockland is an officially bilingual and vibrant community within the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, located 40 km east of the Nation's Capital on the Ottawa River. Major transportation connections are readily available with Highway 417 accessible in 30 minutes and Highway 401 accessible in less than an hour. With a population of 26,505 (2021 Census), the City is one of the fastest growing municipalities in eastern Ontario with an annual average of 175 new homes in addition to over 25,000 square feet of commercial/industrial development. It has a vibrant mix of industrial, commercial, residential and rural agriculture sectors.
Commercial Development
At the heart of economic development in Eastern Ontario, the City of Clarence-Rockland is a community where commerce is thriving. Our urban and rural environment offers numerous business opportunities. Our growth rate is considered to be among the most rapidly growing in the region. We support existing local businesses and encourage the success of startups.
Residential Development
There is no doubt that Clarence-Rockland offers an excellent quality of life and meets the specific needs of families. There is something for everyone, whether it is a spacious house in the country or a condo by the Ottawa River. That's why residential real estate developers are interested in our region. Due to numerous advantages, such as municipal public transit which runs to/from Ottawa and Gatineau, efficient emergency services, and a thriving local economy, the City of Clarence-Rockland has the infrastructure to carry out major projects.
Workforce
The City of Clarence-Rockland's workforce is comprised of highly educated individuals. A local employment service centre is ready to help businesses find candidates for employment. Several programs are also available to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and to promote start-ups.
Agricultural Industries
Agriculture occupies a prime spot in our region, which is known for the quality of its land and its advantageous climatic conditions. It represents the largest industry in the region.
Some 10,202 hectares of land are designated for agricultural production, i.e. 34% of the territory in the City of Clarence-Rockland. These lands include Class 1, 2 and 3 soils according to the Canadian Land Inventory classification system. Due to our high production volumes, there is considerable potential for setting up various processing plants.
The municipality offers a variety of new recreational facilities, cultural events and many community associations. It has a pleasant and enriching life style for residents of all ages. There is a wide choice of excellent schools and daycares at both the elementary and secondary levels. Clarence-Rockland provides all the advantages of an urban and rural area with its open-air recreational activities and the commodities of a city.
The Economic Development Department is available to provide support to residents and business owners as we work together to make Clarence-Rockland the destination to live, build and invest!