The village of Carp is a popular spot for most Ottawans. Many head here for the annual Carp Fair, a favourite in the Ottawa area, or for the Carp Farmer’s Market May through October. The village has much to offer both visitors and residents. Read on to find out more.
History
Carp has been an agricultural centre of Ottawa since the 1800s. The Carp Fair and the Carp Agricultural Society date back to 1863 and by 1866, the village was a post village with a population of 200 along the Carp River. At that time the village contained 3 stores, workshops, 3 hotels and a town hall. The village takes its name from the Carp River which runs right through the village. The village was amalgamated with the city of Ottawa in 2001 but residents still very much identify themselves as living in Carp, rather than Ottawa.
Amenities & Location
Located just 30 minutes west of Ottawa proper and 10 minutes from Kanata & Stittsville, Carp Village has a small town feel with access to any amenity and feature you’d ever need. Within the village are parks, schools, trail systems, green spaces, hockey arena, baseball diamonds, convenience stores, boutiques, restaurants such as Alice’s Village Cafe and the Carp Custom Creamery, and you will find one of the best medical centres in the city located right within the village – the West Carleton Family Health Team.
Major grocery stores, big box stores, arts & culture, large community centres etc are all just a short drive to Kanata and Stittsville. Carp even has its own retirement home as well as adult-lifestyle communities for those wishing to retire within the village.
The Carp Fair is one of the most popular in the city and the Carp Farmer’s Market running April/May through October is also one of the most visited markets in the city.
Schools in the Area:
- Huntley Centennial PS
- Earl of March HS – Immersion
- West Carleton SS
- St. Michael (Corkery) School
- All Saints Intermediate School
- All Saints High School
Demographics & Statistics
As of the 2011 Census, the population of Carp and surrounding areas was deemed to be approximately 2000 but that number will have certainly grown in the past 10 years as the village has expanded with newer neighbourhoods and homes being built. The majority of residents are married with children and in the age range of 20-54. The vast majority of homes are owned with about 14% being rented. They are mostly single family homes (71%) with about 20% being townhomes, 6% being semi-detached and 3% being apartments (these are mostly retirement residences). About 10% of the homes were built before 1960 and many are considered heritage homes right in the village. There was an upsurge in the building through 1960-1990 – you can see this in the bungalows surrounding the Carp Fairgrounds. About 38% of homes were built between 1990-2010 and about 30% are 2011+.
The average household income is $158,409 with most residents having a university degree, and the second largest group having a college diploma. The main employment stream is business and finance with the second being in sales. 67% of residents are employed outside of the home.
Do you live in Carp? What is your favourite part about being a resident? Tell us in the comments below!