In 1923, the Royal
 Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR) was established. This Reserve Force was
  organized into companies and half companies located in fourteen cities across 
  
  Canada. In 1935, the name of the Ottawa Half-Company was changed to the 
  "Ottawa Division of the RCNVR".
Just prior to Canada's declaration of War on Germany, the government called the 
Reserve into active service. For the duration of hostilities, the Ottawa 
ivision concentrated on the recruitment and basic training of seamen. By the end
 of the war some 4,620 officers and men had enlisted through the Ottawa Reserve 
 Division. In November 1941, the Ottawa Division was commissioned as 
 HMCS Carleton.
On 17 December 1943 HMCS Carleton moved to its current facilities at Canadian 
Forces Reserve Barrack Dow's Lake, when the new "stone frigate" was inaugurated 
in the presence of Major General The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Athlone, Governor 
General of Canada. In 1944, a new type of naval presence was added to Carleton 
when the barracks blocks were occupied by the Women's Royal Canadian Naval 
Service (WRENS). New training facilities were then added to Carleton in the late
 1940s and early 50's.
Since its establishment, members of Carleton have played an active role in the 
National Capital Region. In recognition of its contribution to the community, 
Carleton was presented with the Key to the City of Ottawa in 1976. Carleton has 
evolved from its modest beginnings as the Ottawa Half-Company to a well run unit
 of enthusiastic and dedicated reservists. Carleton owes much to the spirit of 
 resolve which first inspired the efforts of her pioneer reservists and today 
her Ship's Company continues to serve this country as both citizens and sailors.

HMCS Carleton operates continuously to provide employment and training for its 
sailors. The facility includes 3 principle buildings which house the unit's 
administration, logistical, training, and operational functions along with 2 
smaller buildings and a large vehicle compound which provide areas for boat 
storage and operation as well as additional logistic areas.
On March 19, 2008 several main supports for the roof of the drill hall failed 
resulting in its closure, accelerating plans to replace the 65 year-old 
facilities at CFRB Dow's Lake. The drill hall is scheduled to be demolished, 
and temporary storage, office and parade facilities erected on the site. HMCS 
Carleton, and its lodger units, will continue to operate normally during the
demolition and reconstruction period, which is scheduled to take 
3 or 4 years.[1][2] Until these events forced the closure of the drill hall,
HMCS Carleton had the largest indoor parade facilities in the city of Ottawa. 
After the reconstruction HMCS Carleton will operate out of a modern, purpose 
built facility which will be ideally suited to its future operations.
Although most of the sailors who are part of Carleton work on a part time basis 
through the training year (September to May), there is a staff of ten full time 
members (five Class B Reservists & five Regular Force) who ensure the efficient
 operation and administration of the unit.
HMCS Carleton has administration nights every Tuesday, and training nights on 
Thursdays from mid-September through to early May. HMCS Carleton also has 
weekend training through out the year in order to augment training.
The official hours are:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 0800hrs – 1500hrs
Tuesday and Thursday 1900hrs – 2200hrs