Originally known as Ottawa South, the ‘Old’ was added in the 90s to highlight the many heritage aspects of this incredibly friendly and active Ottawa neighbourhood. Bordering the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal, with many parks nearby, the homeowners of this sought after area enjoy their greenspace yet are only five minutes to vibrant Bank street and 15 minutes to downtown Ottawa.

You can read more about Old Ottawa South and see our latest listings in the area right here.

This isn’t a neighbourhood – this is a community

What makes Old Ottawa South so special? The first thing our clients emphasize is that this is not a neighbourhood; this is a community.

Recently, one of our clients chose Old Ottawa South as they saw how people were always socializing on the street, greeting each other as they walked their dogs, and watching over their children as they played outside (the streets have low traffic thanks to a traffic calming plan). Our clients enjoy meeting up on the chosen front porch of that day, to enjoy a glass of wine and relax; you will not be disappointed with the welcome you receive from your neighbours in Old Ottawa South.

The homes are beautiful

There are many styles of properties to choose from, but if you love traditional red brick homes with a porch, there is a home for you in Old Ottawa South. The ‘Foursquare’ design, typically two stories high with a central dormer, offers lots of opportunity to add extra space or finish the basement to create an income suite, which rent quickly due to the nearby Carleton University.

Are you thinking about making the move to the National Capital Region? Here is everything you need to know about relocating to Ottawa.

A progressive community that invests in its residents

The Old Ottawa South Community Association (OSCA) is one of the most active Ottawa community resources. The OSCA’s “goal is to make Old Ottawa South a pleasant, fulfilling, and meaningful place to live.” The OSCA community hub, the heritage designated Firehall, is the hub for summer camps, a huge variety of community programs and 12 festivals.

Yes, there is yoga and Pilates, pottery, painting, breakfast clubs, but there are also unique programs like the “Kaleidoscope of Butterflies” that enrich the local greenspace; the OCSA provide residents with caterpillars that are raised and then released together at the end of May.

An abundance of activities

A selection of some of our clients’ favourite community activities:

• The Ottawa Tennis and Lawn Bowling Club and outdoor pool. The club calls itself ‘the cottage in the city’ and is very charming.
• Brewer Pool for swimming lessons, where kids from the local community are often lifeguards.
• Brewer Park offers a world-class speed skating oval, soccer fields, splash pad, soccer fields, hockey arena, community garden and four play structures.
• The Canal is perfect for biking, skating, kayaking and the unmissable NCC Winterlude.
• The residents’ self-made “Mount Seneca” (the top of Seneca Street near the canal) where all the kids toboggan.

Incredible amenities on your doorstep

We will talk about its history in a future blog and walking tour, but one of amazing things about Old Ottawa South is that some of the businesses have been part of the neighbourhood for over a century.

A walk along Bank Street will take you past five delicious places for coffee, three antique stores, a high-end bike store, bakeries, salons and the much-loved heritage designated Mayfair Theatre. The Mayfair shows new and vintage movies – often with a twist – one client enjoyed a movie with all the music performed by a live orchestra. Grab a Beau’s Beer, some popcorn and if you arrive early, a seat on one of the vintage balcony sofas.

For groceries, Whole Foods and Cedars & Co are a quick walk away, and on Sundays you can pick up local produce at The Ottawa Farmers Market at Lansdowne.

For a night out, our clients chose Quinns for a drink and bar snacks, The Belmont for gourmet dim sum and a craft cocktail, live music and pinball at House of Targ with a plate of their handmade perogies.

Schools in Old Ottawa South

There are four great schools and one daycare in the area, all within walking distance. Once again, you’ll have a neighbour or two to enjoy the walk with.

• Hopewell Avenue Public School from kindergarten to grade 8 is known for its academic excellence.
• Astolot Educational Centre an independent Day School and High School.
• Westboro Academy, a private school which provides bilingual education.
• Sunnyside Footsteps for children between the ages of 18 months and five years.

Nestled close to Old Ottawa South is the historic neighbourhood of The Glebe. Learn more about The Glebe in our guide right here.

No car required

Living car free is possible in this neighbourhood; our clients love to bike to work in the summer, often along the canal, or a longer more scenic route along the Rideau River. There are also four major bus routes to transport residents downtown.

Get in touch

The Chell Team is just a phone call or email away. Contact us to arrange a meeting with Susan Chell, Patti Brown or Sarah Toll today for your free home market evaluation.