Crysler stands out among rural communities in Eastern Ontario for its robust infrastructure. Most existing homes, as well as all new homes under development, are connected to a public water system that is supplied by nearby wells. A local water tower vies with the Catholic Church for tallest structure in the community.

Crysler’s water quality is exceptional—superior to that of many surrounding towns and villages—and is a point of considerable pride for residents. With continued development in the village, though, it is critical to ensure that the local aquifer is of sufficient capacity to sustain this enviable reputation.

Water is currently flat-rated in Crysler and is comparable to annual water charges in nearby, much larger Ottawa – about $1300 per year per household. Seldom are there ever water use restrictions, although during summer months in past years there might have been lawn watering time of day restrictions for brief time periods. Since Covid, though, there have been no restrictions, and the summer of 2025 is a very dry season.

Municipal sewers carry wastewater to nearby lagoons which can be viewed by those who walk along the Bell Canada (Lagoon) Trail which intersperses the community. Seldom is there an undesirable smell, even on the hottest days of summer. Consulting studies rate Crysler’s sewage lagoons as having “fair” long-term capacity, and they are expected to meet future community growth needs. Locals adamantly suggest it is overbuilt, as originally it was designed to handle nearby St. Albert which chose to build its own lagoon rather than share. It is important to ensure that the community continues to have sufficient capacity, though, to handle local growth, including subdivision development in nearby Finch which also uses the Crysler lagoons.

Internet access is another major infrastructural asset. Fibre-to-the-home service is available through Bell and Virgin, offering speeds and prices comparable to Ottawa. Outages have been experienced for short duration periods, 2-3 times per year. Xplornet offers lower cost service to the area. High speed, reliable internet makes Crysler especially attractive to remote workers and digital professionals.

Hydro One provides electricity with a strong service record and minimal downtime. Surprisingly, reflecting perhaps a different source of supply, the north side of the village has good but poorer service than the south side with respect to outages. While several newer homes have installed Generac-type backup (whole home) generators, there is seldom a need. In rural tradition, though, many residents still keep a gasoline powered generator close by in the event of power failures. Hydro One electricity rates are lower than in urban areas ($.09 per kWh). Flat-rate plans at that level make it especially attractive and economical to charge electric vehicles at home.

All new developments in Crysler, including those built in the last five years, have underground utilities. Aerial electricity and telephone wires still characterize streets in the older sections of the village, though.

The community is supplied with natural gas for both heating and cooking purposes; however, certain residences continue to utilize oil heating systems.  Rates for natural gas are comparable to city charges.

Commuting to work is efficient: Crysler is just 35 to 40 minutes from downtown Ottawa via the St. Albert Road and then Highway 417. Rural roads connecting Highway 417 and nearby towns around Crysler seem to be regularly repaved and well marked – a pleasure to drive. Most concession and side roads are also paved. All roads are well maintained year-round, ensuring safe and efficient travel for commuters, school buses, dairy tankers, chicken egg haulers, and trades people servicing farms and nearby communities.  

Local roads within the village are kept remarkably clear of snow, particularly by city standards. A small nuisance that actually improves winter traction is the use of stone dust to keep roads clear. Most cities use sand and salt, but not Crysler. In the spring a street sweeper clears the stones to the side of the village streets. Curb and gutter does not exist – except for the new subdivision currently under development north of the South Nation River. It will be interesting to see if winter street maintenance procedures change as a result of that new street infrastructure.

Some residents have contracted snow-clearing for their driveways and benefit from local availability at considerably lower cost than urban areas. Snow clearing is incredibly reliable during the harshest winter conditions. School closing seems to average about 7-8 days a winter.

While the South Nation River once posed a flood risk, the construction of a dam and levees in 1983 effectively mitigated this concern. All lowland residential areas are now under protection, and the dam has made the river increasingly popular for recreational purposes.  The dam is particularly scenic, and birdwatchers often stand on the Queen Street bridge to observe and photograph wildfowl near the dam.

Compared to neighbouring communities, Crysler’s infrastructure is exceptional. From high-quality water and effective wastewater systems to modern, dependable internet and electrical servicing, reliable road maintenance, and longstanding, effective floodwater protection, the village offers a level of services that enhances both daily life and long-term investment appeal.