February 26th, 2022 | Hintonburg

Hintonburg, Then and Now

The Hintonburg neighbourhood is a delightful mix of century estate homes, that have been lovingly restored, alongside newer build infills (that have won architectural awards), and condo towers that offer convenience and amazing views. Named by EnRoute magazine, years ago, as a place to watch, by those moving to Ottawa or buying a home in Ottawa, Hintonburg is a sought after area for Ottawa real estate.

Hintonburg is close to downtown and has five excellent schools. It also has an engaged and active community association, a library, and is also known as Ottawa’s Arts District. Hintonburg residents place an emphasis on walking, cycling and transit use as their preferred modes of getting around. The neighbourhood is within walking distance to the light rail stations at Tunney’s Pasture and Bayview.

Planning a purchase in Hintonburg or anywhere else in Ottawa? Our Buyer’s Guide can help streamline the process. Download your copy right here.

If you are considering buying a home in Ottawa, and want to experience the unique community spirit of Hintonburg, one of the best ways is to walk its streets and immerse yourself in its history. You can do this with a gourmet coffee in hand from one of the many funky cafés along the main street.

Discover your Hintonburg on this walking tour

During the Chell Team’s self-guided walking tour, you will experience this historical and artsy neighbourhood in full, and hopefully, some homes for sale. There are six heritage-designated properties within the neighbourhood, some that include light industrial use, highlighting the home-based businesses of the past.

Take note of the quirky bends along the side streets, connected by shared laneways for the residents, who then and now, prefer to commute on foot or by public transit. The walk takes approximately 35 minutes and directions can be viewed here.

Want to know more about some of the other great communities in Ottawa? Check out the related reading below:

Capital Wire and Cloth Building

Start at the Capital Wire and Cloth Building at 7 Hinton Avenue, which was built between 1912 and 1948 and designated in 2012 as a heritage building. It was an important part of the community, due to the jobs it created and is now a reminder of the industrial history of Hintonburg. By the 1980s, the building was home to the Hinton Animation Studio. The well-loved TV show ‘The Racoons’ was produced here, and the animated movie ‘The Nutcracker Prince’. From here, continue to Parkdale Avenue.

Ottawa Fire Station #11

The former Ottawa Fire Station #11 at 424 Parkdale Avenue, was the Fire Station for this area from 1924 until 1986 and was designated a heritage building in 1996. It has stunning high ceilings and original fire hall features, including the hose drying tower and firefighter’s pole.

Corner of Wellington Street and Parkdale Avenue

Head back to the corner of Wellington Street and Parkdale Avenue and look for a marble statue of a bell pepper fire hydrant, one of many statues along Wellington Street. Installed as part of the Ottawa community resources “1% for Art Program”, this one in particular honours the 80 year strong Parkdale Market. Continue along Wellington Street towards your next stop.

Rosemont Public Library

The Rosemont Public Library, the oldest purpose-built library facility in Ottawa and a prime example of the Ottawa community resources. It is a busy and supportive hub in the community that offers modern services in a beautiful heritage setting, with light flooding in from its large windows. It has the highest circulation of materials per square foot of all Ottawa public libraries.

The Elmdale Tavern

If you need a break, stop in for some lunch and an oyster, at The Elmdale Tavern. It was built in 1909, designed as a general store and since then has changed hands many times, but has been a bar for the longest stretch. The old storefront is still there, as well as the ‘Ladies and Escorts’ sign at the side of the building. It was left there as a historical reminder when men and women sat separately at bars.

School House Lofts

From here walk to the former École Sacré-Cœur at 19 Melrose Avenue. Built in 1912 and designated in 2005 as a heritage building. It was a French Roman Catholic School for 100 years, reflecting the strong Francophone history of Hintonburg. Now, it is an award-winning condo building, called the School House Lofts, constructed to retain all its historical features.

Hintonburg Park

Head over to the beautiful and historic Hintonburg Park to stop and take in the sights or let the kids play. In the background of the park you will be able to see The St. François d’Assise Church. The park’s high stone wall was originally built in 1901 to surround the church and the adjoining Collège Séraphique where the Capuchin Fathers trained future priests.

St-Francois-d’Assise

Hintonburg’s St-François-d’Assise church, built in 1890, underwent repairs and renovations between 1913-1915 and has been unchanged since then. The church’s five bells, built in France in 1924 and shipped to Canada, can still be heard beckoning people for services.

Hintonburg Fire Hall

Walk on to 7 Fairmont Avenue, to discover what used to be the Hintonburg Fire Hall. The Hall was built in 1901 with a stunning 60 foot hose tower. After falling into disrepair, it was sold on to a funeral parlour who renovated it into the building you see today, a mix of apartments and commercial businesses. Look for the rounded corner of the building, the only architectural reminder of the hose tower.

Armstrong House

Head southwest to Armstrong House at 35 Armstrong Street, one of the first estates built in the area in 1854 by Judge Christopher Armstrong. This large stone residence was designated as a heritage property in 1976 and is the current home of Banfield-Seguin Communications.

The Robert Mason House

Finish at The Robert Mason House at 101 Bayswater Avenue, a beautiful example of heritage Ottawa homes. It was built in 1891 as a family home and remained with the Mason family until the late 1990s. It is a still a family home to this day.

What should you know before making your purchase? The posts below will help keep you on the straight and narrow:

The many amenities and recreational attractions of Hintonburg

During the walk through this vibrant neighbourhood, you will have also seen art galleries, theatres and live-work studios. The many locally owned businesses offer health care, massage therapy, spa services, pet grooming, optometry and incredible restaurants.

For leisure time, there are many biking and walking trails, including the TransCanada trail which is steps away.

Get in touch

The Chell Team is just a phone call or email away. Contact us at 613.829.7484 or email mail@chellteam.com to arrange a meeting with Susan Chell, Patti Brown or Sarah Toll today for your free home market evaluation or check out the Chell Team real estate listings.