Clarendon is one of the oldest settled areas in the Pontiac, known for its strong agricultural roots. The municipality is home to some of the region’s most productive farmland, supporting generations of family-run farms that continue to drive the local economy today. Agriculture remains a way of life for many residents, shaping both the landscape and the community’s values.
While Clarendon is largely rural, it also includes several pockets of seasonal and permanent homes around cottage communities like Sand Bay, Green Lake, and Thorne Lake. These areas attract visitors and cottagers from across the province, drawn by the quiet charm of the countryside, access to the water, and the sense of community.
Clarendon is also connected by a network of backroads and trails that wind through forests, farmland, and lakeshore. It’s a place where tradition and natural beauty meet, offering both a working landscape and a relaxing escape. Whether you live here full-time, part-time, or just visit, Clarendon offers a glimpse into a peaceful and hard-working corner of the Pontiac.
Life in Clarendon and community activities
Life in Clarendon is full of local spirit, with community events bringing residents together throughout the year. Big annual gatherings like the Country Jamboree and fall fairs are highlights on the calendar, often organized in partnership with nearby Shawville. From live music and holiday parades to sports tournaments and seasonal festivals, there’s always something happening that draws a crowd.
Many of these events are shared between municipalities, reflecting how closely Clarendon and Shawville are connected. Families from both towns come together to volunteer, celebrate, and support each other’s initiatives, making the region feel tightly knit and welcoming.
Smaller activities, including everything from potlucks tp kids’ programs, are often supported by local residents’ associations. These groups help keep neighbourhoods active and engaged, adding to the friendly, community-first feel that defines Clarendon.
Local Businesses and Services
Clarendon’s economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, with generations of family farms producing everything from beef and dairy to grains and hay. These farms form the backbone of the local economy and shape much of the rural landscape. But beyond the fields, Clarendon is also home to a wide range of other businesses that keep the municipality thriving.
Small businesses, tradespeople, and home-based entrepreneurs are active throughout the community. From mechanics and construction crews to craft makers, bakers, and service providers, many residents run side hustles or family-run operations that serve the region and beyond. The rise of remote work and online selling has also opened up new opportunities for business owners across Clarendon.
Together, these diverse economic activities—both traditional and modern—help build a strong and resilient local economy. Whether it’s selling produce at the market, fixing equipment, or launching a home-based shop, Clarendon is full of people finding creative ways to make a living and support their neighbours.
Health and Education
Clarendon residents benefit from access to essential health and education services located just minutes away in Shawville.
The Pontiac Community Hospital offers emergency care and a range of medical services, while the nearby CLSC provides primary care, vaccination clinics, and senior support. A family clinic in Shawville also offers general practitioners and allied health professionals.
For education, students attend English schools in Shawville, or French elementary and high schools in Quyon, Campbell’s Bay and Mansfield.