North Gower
This area was first settled in 1846 by Scottish and English settlers. Some of those original settlers’ descendants continue to live in the neighbourhood today. By 1866, the community was a post village of the township of North Gower situated on Stephens’ Creek, 6 miles from Osgoode Station on the Ottawa and Prescott Railway, and 22 miles from Ottawa. It was considered part of Rideau Township for many years prior to its amalgamation with the City of Ottawa in 2001.
Former Town Hall
N 45° 07.967 W 075° 43.052
The former North Gower Township town hall was restored in 1980s and opened as the Rideau Township Archive in 1990. The one-storey, brick-faced building features fine proportions, careful detailing, and a cupola. The archives photo displays highlight the postal history of Rideau and the stories of home children in the area.
Alfred Taylor Recreation Centre
N 45° 07.806 W 075° 42.662
This building was opened by the Township of Rideau in 1980. It was then known as the North Gower Community Centre. Now known as the Alfred Taylor Recreation Facilities (City of Ottawa), it hosts many functions for the North Gower community.
North Gower United Church
N 45° 07.844 W 075° 42.921
North Gower United Church, erected in 1870, stands on a stately corner lot on 2332 Main Street in the centre of the village of North Gower. It was originally the Methodist Church in North Gower. In August 1925 the Methodist and Presbyterian churches amalgamated to form the United Church and continued to use the former Methodist building.
Holy Trinity Anglican Church
N 45° 07.667 W 075° 43.004
Squat stone buttresses, arched windows and a formidable bell tower distinguish this Gothic Revival church. Dressed stone for the building was transported to the site from a Goulbourn Township quarry by members of the congregation, while the rough stone came from area farms. Inside, the ceiling boasts lovely curved beams and, in the sanctuary, three tall stained glass windows that spring to life when the morning light floods them.
Farmers’ Market
N 45° 07.792 W 075° 43.353
The North Gower Farmers’ Market was founded in 1994 by local residents Carolyn Seabrook and Andrew Harkness. Carolyn sold Andrew on the idea of a Farmers’ Market in her family’s vacant barn, and together they launched the project. The market has been held every Saturday during the summer months since then.
The information needed to find the cache is in the North Gower Adventure Lab