Contractors in Munster

Munster takes its name from the Irish kingdom of Munster, chosen in 1870 by first postmaster Thomas Tubman. An immigrant from County Cavan, Ireland, Tubman settled at the crossroads of today's Bleeks and Munster Side Roads around 1818-1820. Legend holds that a Member of Parliament wanted to name the community after Tubman himself, but he declined.

For over a century, Munster remained a simple crossroads village with a handful of houses. The transformation came in the 1970s when Ottawa developer John W. Johannsen developed Munster Hamlet, a rural subdivision of over 400 homes built in four quadrants. Homes originally sold for $20,000-$25,000 with options for garages, fireplaces, and exterior designs. Additional development by Giambardino Construction in 1983 completed the hamlet.

Early residents recall a pioneer-like experience during the first winter with only 40 families relying on local farmer Elmer Hobbs and his tractor to navigate snow-covered construction trails. Today, Munster has an active community association, soccer fields, ball diamonds, tennis courts, and a community centre.