It was created in 1867 at the time of confederation and lasted until provincial redistribution in 1996.

In 2018 it was re-created as the riding of Carleton from parts of Nepean—Carleton, Carleton—Mississippi Mills and Ottawa South.

The riding was re-created by the 2012 electoral redistribution from parts of Nepean—Carleton (59%), Carleton—Mississippi Mills (41%) and a small portion of Ottawa South.

Consisting of West Carleton, Kanata, Goulbourn, Rideau and Osgoode.

From 1975 to 1987, the riding consisted of the former townships of Nepean and March.