History
The History Behind the Heart
The first European pioneers arrived in the region in the 1830s and it was in 1856 when Monseigneur Guigues, the Bishop of the Diocese of Bytown, asked Luc Major to prepare a plan subdividing the land along the Ottawa River into Lots 1 and 2. This plan was registered in 1858 and became the Village of St-Joseph’s (Orléans’) first official plan.
A year later, Francois Dupuis, who had owned Lot 3 since 1846, also decided to subdivide part of his property on Ottawa Street – which is now St-Joseph Boulevard. On June 8, 1859, this plan was officially registered and included streets called St. John (now St-Jean), Dupuis (now Dussere) and Scott (now St-Charles) which was named after his wife, Marie-Therese (Mary) Scott.
St-Joseph Boulevard, formerly Ottawa Street, is still going strong today with a mix of both historic and new landmarks.
Explore Our History
Nestled along the Ottawa River, Orléans, Ontario, is more than just a suburb—it’s a community rich in history, culture, and connection. Once a small Francophone village, Orléans was built by early settlers who farmed the land, fished the river, and created a close-knit community. Over time, the construction of Highway 174 linked it to Ottawa, spurring growth while preserving its distinct identity.
Through every transformation, Orléans has remained a place where neighbours look out for one another, small businesses thrive, and culture flourishes. At its heart stands Paroisse St-Joseph d’Orléans, a historic landmark since 1830, symbolizing the area’s deep-rooted heritage. Nearby, Petrie Island has long been a cherished retreat—from its Indigenous origins as a seasonal fishing ground to the peaceful beaches and nature trails enjoyed today.
Orléans is also a hub for arts and entertainment. Since opening in 2009, the Shenkman Arts Centre have been a creative cornerstone, bringing artists, performers, and storytellers together. Meanwhile, Place d’Orléans, once a small-town shopping centre, continues to evolve, shaping the future while remaining a community gathering place.
The Orléans Fruit Farm have long been a cherished part of the community, providing fresh, local produce for generations. For decades, families have visited the farm to pick strawberries, apples, and pumpkins, turning the experience into a beloved tradition. Beyond just a place to buy produce, the farm symbolizes Orléans’ agricultural history, a time when the area was rich in farmland. It serves as a living link to the past, reminding residents of the agricultural roots that once defined this region before the rapid suburban growth.
The Vinette Silo stands proudly along the Orléans skyline, a striking landmark that tells the story of the area’s transformation. Originally a working grain silo, it now symbolizes the shift from rural farmland to modern development. Though much of the surrounding farmland has given way to suburban expansion, the silo remains as a testament to Orléans’ agricultural heritage. It serves as a quiet observer of the changes in the community, offering a visual connection between the past and the present while reminding us of the area’s deep roots in farming.
Orléans is also home to various historical plaques that showcase the unique history of Orléans. You could even take a historical walking tour to learn something new!
Orléans is more than a place—it’s a feeling, a legacy, and a home. It carries the stories of its past while welcoming the dreams of the future, standing strong as a community that grows together and moves forward without forgetting where it all began.