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Neighborhood guide

Rockland neighborhood guide

East Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Published August 17, 2026 · by David Purchase

Rockland is a bilingual, family-oriented riverside community east of Ottawa offering an established suburban lifestyle with strong homeownership rates, active municipal festivals, and convenient car-based access to the capital region.

See the full Rockland market report

Rockland at a Glance

Rockland is a growing bilingual community located in the City of Clarence-Rockland, about 30 km east of downtown Ottawa. The population reached 14,269 as of the 2021 Census, representing a 12.1% increase from 2016, signaling strong demand for housing in this riverside setting. French speakers make up 72.4% of the population, giving the community a distinctly francophone character alongside English services and institutions. With a median household income of $100,065, Rockland attracts families seeking an affordable suburban alternative to Ottawa proper.

  • Population (2021)

    14,269

    www12.statcan.gc.ca

  • Population change (2016 to 2021)

    12.1%

    www12.statcan.gc.ca

  • French speakers share

    72.4%

    www12.statcan.gc.ca

  • Median household income

    $100,065

    www12.statcan.gc.ca

Housing in Rockland

Rockland is predominantly a community of homeowners, with 75.2% of households owning their homes and 24.9% renting. Detached houses dominate the housing stock at 63.5%, followed by low-rise apartments at 15.7% and row houses at 9.6%. Semi-detached homes account for 5.3% and duplex apartments for 4.6%, providing a range of housing types for different household sizes and budgets.

  • Owner households share

    75.2%

    www12.statcan.gc.ca

  • Renter households share

    24.9%

    www12.statcan.gc.ca

  • Detached dwellings

    63.5%

    www12.statcan.gc.ca

  • Low-rise apartments

    15.7%

    www12.statcan.gc.ca

  • Row houses

    9.6%

    www12.statcan.gc.ca

Amenities and Daily Conveniences

Rockland provides residents with a well-rounded set of local amenities anchored along Du Parc Avenue. The Clarence-Rockland Public Library Rockland branch and the Clarence-Rockland YMCA are key community facilities, while the Rockland Recreational Complex supports active lifestyles. Queen Street serves as the main commercial and shopping corridor, offering everyday retail and services within the community.

  • Library

    Clarence-Rockland Public Library, Rockland branch

    clarence-rockland.com

  • Fitness and recreation

    Clarence-Rockland YMCA

    allthingshome.ca

  • Recreation facility

    Rockland Recreational Complex

    eqhomes.ca

  • Shopping corridor

    Queen Street commercial area

    en.wikipedia.org

Schools Serving Rockland

Rockland is served by both English and French school boards, reflecting the community's bilingual identity. English-language options include Rockland District High School and Rockland Public School, while francophone families are served by École Carrefour Jeunesse and L'École secondaire catholique L'Escale. Catholic education is available at St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School and École élémentaire catholique Saint-Trinité, ensuring coverage across elementary and secondary levels in both official languages.

  • English public high school

    Rockland District High School

    en.wikipedia.org

  • English public elementary

    Rockland Public School

    allthingshome.ca

  • French-language school

    École Carrefour Jeunesse

    en.wikipedia.org

  • French Catholic high school

    L'École secondaire catholique L'Escale

    allthingshome.ca

  • Catholic elementary

    St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School

    allthingshome.ca

Lifestyle and Community Culture

Rockland serves as the primary community hub within the City of Clarence-Rockland, with a vibrant calendar of municipal events and cultural programming. Simon Park on Du Parc Avenue is the central venue for the annual Clarence-Rockland Festival and Canada Day celebrations, featuring live entertainment, family activities, local vendors, and fireworks. The Optimiste Performance Hall on Du Parc Avenue hosts concerts and indoor cultural events throughout the year. Parks including Alain-Potvin Park, Patricia Charron Park, and Rockland Dog Park provide green space for daily recreation.

  • Main festival venue

    Simon Park, Du Parc Avenue

    clarence-rockland.com

  • Annual event

    Clarence-Rockland Festival and Canada Day celebrations

    clarence-rockland.com

  • Performance venue

    Optimiste Performance Hall, Du Parc Avenue

    clarence-rockland.com

  • Neighbourhood parks

    Alain-Potvin Park, Patricia Charron Park, Rockland Dog Park

    allthingshome.ca

Getting Around from Rockland

Rockland is a car-dependent community, with 90.4% of commuters travelling by car, truck, or van according to the 2021 Census. Public transit use stands at just 2.1%, and commuter transit service from Clarence-Rockland has been suspended, meaning there is currently no dependable fixed-route bus service originating in the community. Many residents use a drive-to-rail approach, driving to Trim Station or Place d'Orléans in Ottawa's east end and transferring to O-Train Line 1 for access to downtown Ottawa.

  • Car, truck, or van commute share

    90.4%

    www12.statcan.gc.ca

  • Public transit commute share

    2.1%

    www12.statcan.gc.ca

  • Walked commute share

    4.1%

    www12.statcan.gc.ca

  • Bicycle commute share

    0.3%

    www12.statcan.gc.ca

Frequently asked questions

Is Rockland a good place for families?

Rockland offers a strong family-oriented environment with schools in both English and French at the elementary and secondary levels, including Rockland District High School, École Carrefour Jeunesse, and St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School. The community features active municipal programming centred on Simon Park and the Optimiste Performance Hall, along with the Clarence-Rockland YMCA and several neighbourhood parks. The owner households share of 75.2% and a predominantly detached housing stock at 63.5% reflect a settled, residential community suited to families.

How do Rockland residents commute to Ottawa?

The vast majority of Rockland residents commute by car, truck, or van, which accounts for 90.4% of commuters. Commuter transit service from Clarence-Rockland has been suspended, so there is no dependable fixed-route bus service from Rockland. A common approach is to drive to Trim Station or Place d'Orléans in Ottawa's east end and transfer to O-Train Line 1 for the remainder of the trip to downtown Ottawa.

What is the housing mix like in Rockland?

Rockland's housing stock is dominated by detached homes at 63.5% of all dwellings. Low-rise apartments make up 15.7%, row houses account for 9.6%, semi-detached homes represent 5.3%, and duplex apartments comprise 4.6%. High-rise apartments are minimal at 1.0%, giving the community a distinctly suburban, low-density profile.

Is Rockland a bilingual community?

Yes, Rockland has a strong francophone presence, with French speakers making up 72.4% of the population according to the 2021 Census. Schools are available in both English and French through multiple school boards, and the community offers services and cultural programming in both official languages.

What amenities are available in Rockland?

Rockland has a public library branch, the Clarence-Rockland YMCA, and the Rockland Recreational Complex for fitness and recreation. Simon Park hosts the annual Clarence-Rockland Festival and Canada Day celebrations, while the Optimiste Performance Hall provides indoor cultural events. Queen Street is the main commercial corridor for everyday shopping and services.

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