Arnprior is facing the classic plight of a small town near a big city, as many people moving there for a rural lifestyle are changing the character of the town.
The town's mayor said he remembers the days when the community was smaller and everyone would wave at each other as they drove by.
"You don't see as many familiar faces," said David Reid.
Some in Arnprior said the growth is a mixed bag.
Along with a renovated emergency room at the local hospital and an upgraded water filtration system comes room to grow by almost 2,000 people, a leap for the community whose population was 7,158 in 2006.
One real estate agent said he has noticed more interest in houses from people outside the town.
"At least half of the open house people are coming from outside of the area," said Mike Defalco.
However, not all those people go shopping in the area, preferring to head to big-box stores about an hour away in Ottawa.
"We support all the hockey teams, the ringette teams," said jeweler Joyce Landers. "They come here for the support, but they have to support us in return."
Arnprior's mayor said he thinks the area's new residents will feel the small-town hospitality, which starts by smiling at your neighbours.
"I'm sure everyone will smile right back," Reid said.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Kate Eggins
