5 Fun Facts About Manotick Village

Are you considering making the move to our established Mahogany community? There’s so much to love – natural green space with plenty of trails, accessible parks, a community pond and beautiful waterways nearby. Plus, you’re given the choice of a unique selection of home designs you can’t find in any of our other communities.

One of the best parts about living in Mahogany: you’re within walking distance of Manotick Village! This charming village in Ottawa South has so much to offer, from its storied history to its friendly, welcoming people to its quaint restaurants, cafés and shops. Let’s explore five fun facts you might not know about Manotick. 

A historic mill with a ghostly resident 

Watson’s Mill is perhaps one of Manotick’s most notable attractions. The gristmill, put into operation in 1860 by the village’s two founders Moss Kent Dickinson and Joseph Currier, was responsible for the village’s early growth.

In 1861, Dickinson and Currier hosted a gala at the mill, leading tours and showing off their achievement to residents and local business owners, but a freak accident occurred during one of the tours. Currier’s wife, Ann Crosby, had her long, flowing gown caught on the shaft of a spinning turbine. Sadly, she did not survive the incident.

Over the years, many people have reported seeing a beautiful woman in a dress looking out of one of the mill’s windows at night. Some visitors of the mill have even felt a strange coolness in the room on the second floor. Watson’s Mill has been examined by paranormal experts, too, and they claim to have found spectral energy inside – they believe at least eight entities reside in the mill, including the spirit of Crosby. But don’t worry, there’s no evidence of malicious behaviour from these ghostly residents. 

An ambitious loop for avid cyclists 

If you’re a roadie searching for a new place to spin your wheels, look no further. The City of Ottawa has mapped out a 56-kilometre loop that begins and ends in Manotick Village. The route takes you through a variety of multi-use trails and shared roadways, with approximately 15-kilometres travelling close to the Rideau River. Along the way, there are several places to stop for a break to grab a bite to eat or explore – this includes the Rideau River Provincial Park and Baxter Conservation area. 

Did you know the Baxter Conservation area has a nut grove? The Fillmore R. Park Nut Grove features around 100 trees representing 30 different species, including hazel, beech and chestnut. The purpose of the grove is to help researchers understand the different types of nuts that can grow in a particular area. 

Have you cycled the rural loop from Manotick? Let us know by tagging @mintocommunitiesottawa in one of your pictures on Instagram – and don’t forget to use the hashtag #IBikedManotick. 

An eclectic mix of restaurants

Manotick Village serves up a delicious variety of restaurants and cafés – from casual diners and classy bistros to familiar pubs and international eateries. And a few have some unique features that add to your dining experience.  

 

The VAULT Bistro is an upscale restaurant with a relaxed country feel. But did you know it was once a bank with a rigid, professional atmosphere? In the past, locals kept their life savings inside. Now, it’s a safe house for good food and good times. But don’t expect to steal the chef’s recipes – some things are still locked up tightly in the VAULT. 

The Miller’s Oven is a cozy tea room in the heart of the village. Run by a senior’s group, the Rideau Miller’s Oven Seniors Committee, this charming café is reminiscent of your grandma’s kitchen. You’ll find delicious home-cooked items for breakfast and lunch, which are sure to bring back fond memories of your childhood. To complete the ambiance, this non-profit café resides within a picturesque 2-storey heritage building (circa 1887) located on Mill Street, the historic core of Manotick.

Take Another Bite, a catering company and café, is dedicated to exceeding expectations with its freshly prepared food, baked goods and flash frozen meals. Owner Bianca Coldrey insists on sourcing the best ingredients possible for her dishes, which led to using stone milled flour from Watson's Mill. The café’s honey oat bread is a customer favourite, which is sold at the mill itself periodically throughout the year (every Sunday between May–October and during the annual Christmas Craft Market in November and December). It sells fast, so don’t wait too long to get a taste – and don’t worry, the flour isn’t haunted!

A little village big on events

If you’ve visited a small town, you’ll know its residents are big on community pride. Manotick Village is no different. To celebrate and come together, the community hosts a variety of events throughout the year – many of which are beloved annual festivals. Perhaps the most popular is Dickinson Days, an event honouring Manotick’s past and its founder Moss Kent Dickinson. The celebration features a parade, fireworks, a community barbeque, kid-friendly entertainment, a craft fair and more.

Another popular event is A Taste of Manotick, where Main Street is transformed into a market lined with local businesses. Residents and visitors are invited to experience the best of Manotick, as restaurants, boutiques and clothing stores serve up samples, sales and demonstrations. To add to the excitement, the event also features live music and other entertainment.

Check out the Manotick BIA website for a full list of events happening each year! 

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A backdrop made for the big screen 

There have been plenty of movies and television shows filmed across Ottawa over the years. But Manotick – and its appealing backdrop of historical buildings and neighbourhoods – was under the spotlight most recently. In January 2020, the Lifetime network came to town to shoot the made-for-TV movie, Candy Cane Christmas. This feel-good flick highlights Manotick’s village charm and features local businesses like the Black Dog Bistro, The Mill Tavern, Watson’s Mill and more. 

This wasn’t the first movie shot in Manotick. Other films include The Blackcoat’s Daughter (starring Emma Roberts from American Horror Story and Meet the Millers), Birds with Large Wings and Two Countries from Maya Movies and several other made-for-TV movies.   

A charming community to call home

When you live in Mahogany, you become part of Manotick Village. You have the chance to experience all its charm, enjoy the events, shop at delightful boutiques and get your fill of great food. 

And now’s your chance to call Mahogany home! Phase 3 of the community is on sale, offering new homes built on oversized lots complemented by beautiful streetscapes. Discover our premium collection of Single Family Homes, Bungalows, and Bungalow Townhomes you can’t find anywhere else in Ottawa.

Mahogany is growing, too, with the newest phase bringing you more of what you love. Learn about what’s featured in Phase 3.

To experience what life is like in Mahogany, visit the Sales Centre at 108 Moretto Court and tour the five Model Homes within the community – or explore them virtually online. Modern, established living awaits. Sign up to receive the latest sales updates and important community information. 

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