Wellington Village had a very unusual beginning – the stunning historical neighbourhood we see today was born underneath a circus tent in 1919, when the Ottawa Land Association held a one-day auction and sold off all the lots at the corner of what is now Holland and Wellington. Real estate marketing really has changed a lot; take a look at the original marketing poster here to see what we mean!

The central location of Wellington Village and its great transit links make it easy to connect anywhere across the city. There are six quality schools, and it adjoins some of Ottawa’s other notable neighbourhoods, Hintonburg and Westboro. Let’s take a walk around Wellington Village to discover more of its culture and what makes this community so special.

Unique homes that celebrated their 100 year anniversary

In 2019, many homes in Wellington Village celebrated their 100 year anniversary. Many houses were constructed just after World War I. This was the beginning of a housing boom which lasted until the late 1940’s. Since lots were owned by individuals instead of companies, and many contractors were involved in their construction, no two homes in Wellington Village are completely alike.  We’ve created a Google map tour for you to recreate this route when exploring the neighbourhood.

We begin our walk at 119 Clarendon Avenue, which has been enlarged since it was originally built and surroundings have changed significantly; the lot was part of the Stewart family farm orchard. The first inhabitants had a large family of 11 children, which is hard to imagine in the original petite home.

A beautiful example of 1920’s architecture is 87 Java Street which has been thoughtfully restored, remaining unchanged since its completion. Its first owner, George Hobbs, a local blacksmith, purchased the lot for $275. The home looks onto Elmdale Public School, whose name was inspired by the many Elm trees in the area. Elmdale Public School opened in 1929 for kids of the growing community of Wellington Village. Due to the growing popularity of the area and influx of families, the school has been extensively renovated in the last few years. If you have lived in the area since childhood, you will have a story connected to this well-loved school.

Next, we walk to 96 Byron Avenue that was bought for $375 by James Abercrombie. He built the home, and it stayed in the Abercrombie family until 2002. 100 Byron Avenue right next door was first owned by William MacKintosh, a WW1 veteran who settled there with his wife and newborn son. In the 1930s, a second floor with a unique roof was added, which you can still see today.

The lot at 26 Harmer Avenue, was bought for $500 and other than its sunroom addition, looks just as it did in 1919. The owner of 30 Harmer Avenue next door was luckier at the auction, purchasing it for $200.

One of the most developed streets in Wellington Village during the 1920’s was Julian Avenue, the first to have a sewer system and water. 11 Julian Avenue was built behind the Stewart family’s farmhouse. The Stewart’s daughter, Wilhelmina, would watch the houses being built in what used to be her garden. With densification, we are more used to this now, but it must have been quite unusual to see in 1920.

The home on the lot of 15 Julian Avenue was built by its owner, Robert Harrington between 1919 and 1920. Various changes have been made over the years and is a fantastic example of how the original unique character and angles of a home can be kept during additions.

The owners of 28 Julian Avenue completed their home in 1920, having bought the lot for $500. In 1922 they sold the home for $5,500, not a bad return at the time. Imagine the families enjoying their porch as they met their new neighbours along the Avenue and watching the first pedestrian pathways being laid along Harmer to Julian Avenue.

One of the more famous residents in Wellington Village was Sam Crooks at 32 Julian Avenue. He opened and ran a foundry, created plentiful local employment, was active in politics and responsible for many city improvements to the sewer systems. He later presided over the local jail as Sheriff, which amused many given his surname. Mr Crooks lived in this home until his passing in 1959, and records show the house remains just as he built and designed it.

This is where the historical tour ends, now let’s check out some of the amazing local restaurants and shops in Wellington Village.

Eating and shopping in Wellington Village

We have some favourites, but this neighbourhood really spoils you when it comes to choice. Wherever you live, you are only a short walk from numerous restaurants, independent clothing and fashion, home décor, galleries, a butchery, organic produce, Italian delicatessen and cafes. Many weekend mornings start at the Bagel Shop, where you can grab breakfast, coffee and then walk on to complete some fun shopping at Victoire or Flock Boutique, pick up a present for the next birthday party at Boomerang Kids, and then browse the latest bike gear at Fresh Air Experience. You can easily spend a whole day browsing the food scene and stores and will likely meet your neighbours as they do the same. Finer dining can be enjoyed at Supply and Demand, The Wellington Gastropub or Stofa. If you want to try them, be sure to book in advance, as people from all over the city travel to these amazing restaurants.

Are you thinking about living in Wellington Village?

The residents of Wellington Village are families, downsizers and retirees who have all their desired amenities at their front door. The many styles of homes, from the historic, to modern infills and high-end condominiums, all set in tree-lined streets, means there is something for everyone. If you want to be part of a community and not just a neighbourhood, you will feel welcome and included in Wellington Village.

Residents also enjoy local healthcare as they are close to the Civic Hospital Campus, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, and two medical clinics. This is also very handy if you are a medical professional that desires a short commute without compromising on the quality and abundance of local amenities.

The outdoors on your doorstep

Wellington Village has three great parks where the family can play or just a casual stroll. Fisher Park has a splash pad, picnic tables, gazebo, and a skating rink in winter. You can also play soccer at Iona Park, let the kids have fun on the playground in summer and then skate on the outdoor rink in winter. Hampton Park has something for all the family, including the furry ones, with its bike paths, off leash fenced dog park and the wading pool.

If you want to know more about one of the neighbourhoods next to Wellington Village, take a look at our post on Hintonburg which also includes a fun guided walking tour.

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 or buyer consultation check out the Chell Team real estate listings.

We acknowledge

We acknowledge that Wellington Village, Ottawa, was built on un-ceded Algonquin Anishinaabe Territory. To learn more about the Algonquin peoples and their history, go to Algonquins of Ontario website.